Rivers of Life (Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Diversity)

Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity

A NatureServe ® Publication

Rivers of Life Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity

Edited by

Lawrence L. Master, Stephanie R. Flack and Bruce A. Stein With Contributions by James R. Aldrich, James Fries, Randy Haddock, George Ivey, Kyla J. Lawson, Andy Laurenzi, Kristi Lynett, Jennie Myers, Robert M. Riordan, Caryn Vaughn, Diane Vosick

The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with Natural Heritage Programs and the Association for Biodiversity Information

A NatureServe ® Publication

This report is based on material developed for the forthcoming book Precious Heritage: The Status of Biodiversity in the United States, a joint project of The Nature Conservancy and the Association for Biodiversity Information.

Citation: Master, Lawrence L., Stephanie R. Flack and Bruce A. Stein, eds. 1998. Rivers of Life: Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia. ISBN: 1-886765-09-X This publication is available on The Nature Conservancy’s Web site at http://www.tnc.org/science/. Copyright 1998 The Nature Conservancy

This publication is a product of NatureServe®, which is made possible by Canon U.S.A.’s Clean Earth Campaign. The NatureServe® program is designed to promote biodiversity conservation by raising public awareness and advancing scientific knowledge.

NATURESERVE: ®

Science for Conservation Program Sponsor

Table of Contents Summary .......................................................................................... 1 A Global Center of Freshwater Biodiversity: The United States ................. 3 Fresh Waters Run Rich ..................................................................................... 4

Imperiled Assets: Freshwater Species at Risk ......................................... 6 Where Is the Problem? ...................................................................................... 8 State of the States .............................................................................................. 8 A Regional Perspective ....................................................................................... 9 On Salmon and Subspecies .............................................................................. 10 Threats to Freshwater Species and Systems ...................................................... 12 Valuing Our Freshwaters ................................................................................. 14 Challenges of Aquatic Conservation ................................................................. 16 Hope for the Future . ....................................................................................... 16

Critical Watersheds for Conservation ................................................. 18 Setting Conservation Priorities . ....................................................................... 18 Hot Spots for Freshwater Species At Risk ......................................................... 18 An Aquatic Portfolio: Critical Watersheds for Conservation ............................. 21

Rivers of Life: Working to Protect Freshwater Hotspots .......................... 24 Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee ................................................................ 25 Green River, Kentucky ..................................................................................... 28 Cahaba River, Alabama .................................................................................... 30 Conasauga River, Tennessee and Georgia ......................................................... 32 Altamaha River, Georgia ................................................................................... 34 Kiamichi River, Oklahoma ............................................................................... 36 Guadalupe River, Texas .................................................................................... 38 Verde River, Arizona ........................................................................................ 41

Elements of Success .......................................................................... 44 A Catalyzing Event .......................................................................................... 44 Fight, Flee, or Cooperate? ................................................................................ 44 Create a Forum for Discussion and Action. ...................................................... 45 Identify the Issues and Get the Facts . .............................................................. 45 Assemble the Resources to Solve the Problem . ................................................ 46

Safeguarding Our Rivers of Life ......................................................... 47 Cited References .............................................................................. 48 Additional Resources ........................................................................ 52 Appendices..................................................................................... 55 Appendix A: Numbers of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species in Freshwater Regions of the United States .................................... 55 Appendix B: U.S. Watershed Hotspots with 10 or More At-Risk Freshwater Fish and Mussel Species .............................. 57 Appendix C: Critical Watersheds to Conserve At-Risk Freshwater Fish and Mussel Species .......................................... 59 Appendix D: U.S. State and Regional Natural Heritage Data Centers .............. 66

Acknowledgments ............................................................................ 70 Credits ........................................................................................... 71

Figures and Tables Table 1. Global Significance of U.S. Freshwater Species . ............................................................... 4 Figure 1. Proportion of U.S. Species At Risk ................................................................................. 7 Figure 2. State Distribution of At-Risk Freshwater Fishes ............................................................. 8 Figure 3. Regional Concentrations of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species . ...................................... 10 Figure 4. Regional Concentrations of At-Risk Salmon Stocks . .................................................... 11 Figure 5. Watershed Hotspots for At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species ............................................. 19 Figure 6. Critical Watersheds to Conserve U.S. Fish and Mussel Species ..................................... 21

Summary

H

idden beneath the shimmering surface

of our nation’s rivers and lakes is an extraordinary variety of aquatic creatures, largely unseen and unfamiliar to most of us. Though we are a nation devoted to the beauty and recreational values of our streams, creeks, and rivers, few of us know that U.S. streamlife is exceptional on a global level, even compared with the tropics. This remarkable freshwater diversity should be a source of great national pride. Instead, it is a source of grave concern. Rivers and lakes are the circulatory system of our nation. These ecosystems furnish a variety of services, from clean drinking water and recreational opportunities to transportation and food. The very quality of our lives, and freshwater species’ survival, is tied to their health.

Our Aquatic Impoverishment Inhabitants of freshwater ecosystems have, as a whole, suffered far more than plants and animals dependent on upland habitats such as forests and prairies. Although the plight of salmon in the Pacific Northwest and New England is widely recognized, this report focuses on the many other freshwater species groups that are in dire straits: Two-thirds of the nation’s freshwater mussels are at risk of extinction, and almost 1 in 10 may already have vanished forever. Half of all crayfish species are in jeopardy. Freshwater fishes and amphibians are doing little better, with about 40 percent of the species in these groups at risk. These losses are not confined to urban areas or to a specific region of the country. Aquatic systems are under stress nationwide, with the largest number of imperiled species found in the Southeast. Arid western states have fewer species, but a greater proportion of them are at risk of extinction. These dramatic declines in freshwater animal species are due primarily to the intensive human use—and abuse—of their habitats. Two centuries of dam construction, water withdrawals, land-use alterations, pollution, and introductions of non-native species have caused accelerated and, in many

State and federal agencies are working together to reintroduce the endangered razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) to Arizona’s upper Verde River, profiled on page 41.

©

1

Kate Spencer

cases, irreparable losses of freshwater species. Rivers are affected by, and reflect, the condition of the lands through which they travel. Since the Clean Water Act became law in 1972, the United States has made great strides in improving water quality by controlling “end of pipe” pollution, but nonpoint source pollution—polluted and sediment-laden runoff from urban and rural areas—is still a major problem. Freshwater species and habitats provide a wealth of goods and services to humanity. Nearly a billion people worldwide rely on fishes as their primary source of protein. In 1990, the total global harvest of freshwater fish was valued at $8.2 billion; the value of the U.S. freshwater sport fishery in 1991 was nearly twice that, with direct expenditures totaling approximately $16 billion. And these figures do not reflect the immense worth of ecological services provided by freshwater systems, such as flood control.

Watersheds: A Practical Approach to Conservation Given the fluid nature of water, protecting aquatic biodiversity is no easy task. Human activities directly upslope, or even miles upstream, may affect streamlife in another place. Many concerned citizens know that watersheds—natural drainage basins—are critical for addressing water-related issues, from protecting drinking water to conserving freshwater species. But which watersheds should be priorities for conservation attention? Where should we allocate scarce conservation resources to protect freshwater species and ecosystems? Although at-risk freshwater species can be assessed at the level of states or large regional watersheds, Rivers of Life: Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity presents the first analysis to define conservation priorities on a scale that is practical for action. Approximately 2,100 small watersheds cover the continental United States. These small watershed areas reflect a scale appropriate for planning and carrying out conservation actions. Using information from natural heritage data centers and other sources, this report identifies the 15 percent of these small watershed areas that will conserve populations of all freshwater fish and mussel species at risk in the United States. These watersheds form a blueprint for where targeted conservation actions could provide the greatest benefit for the largest number of vulnerable freshwater fish and mussel species.

Rivers of Life Protecting and restoring priority watersheds will take creativity, commitment, and the involvement of local communities. The returns from such efforts will benefit not only the rich diversity of fishes and other aquatic life but the human communities themselves. The art and science of aquatic conservation are exemplified by work under way in eight of these critical watersheds. Ranging from the meandering Altamaha in Georgia to the upper Verde River of Arizona, these watersheds, which are profiled in the following pages, reflect the importance of local action and community-level partnerships in saving freshwater species and ecosystems.

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A Global Center of Freshwater Biodiversity: The United States

T

he decline of salmon populations in the Pacific

Northwest and New England is the focus of great public attention, investment, and debate. Few people recognize, however, what an astonishing abundance of other life forms also inhabits our nation’s streams, rivers, and lakes. Mostly hidden from view, these creatures go largely unnoticed and unappreciated. Colorful and whimsical names hint at the diversity and beauty living beneath these waters: Wabash pigtoe mussel, dromedary pearly mussel, white catspaw pearly mussel, warpaint shiner, Devils Hole pupfish, and frecklebelly madtom. Worthy of these epithets, many freshwater species display complex and intriguing lifestyles that have evolved as adaptations to their watery world. Consider the orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis). As adults, these mussels are unable to move a significant distance. How, then, can they colonize new habitat, especially upstream areas? The orangenacre mucket employs a sophisticated ruse to get help from passing fishes in moving its young around. The female mussel creates a fishing lure, using her offspring as bait.1 The larval offspring are packaged at the end of a jelly-like tube, which can stretch up to eight feet. Dancing in the current of rocky riffles, the end of this tube bears a striking resemblance to a minnow. When a fish takes the bait, the tube shatters and releases the larvae—called glochidia—into the stream. A few are able to attach themselves to the gills of the duped fish, where they absorb nutrients from the host and continue their development. After a week or two the mussel larvae drop off their mobile incubator, settling to a new home on the stream bottom. Found only in rivers and creeks in the Mobile River basin of Alabama, populations of the orangenacre mucket have declined precipitously, and the mussel is now federally listed as endangered. The orangenacre

An orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis) extends a minnow-like “lure” to attract potential fish hosts for its larvae. ©

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S. Beibers

mucket’s reproductive strategy illustrates the complex web of interactions and interdependencies within freshwater ecosystems. Mussel and fish are linked, and both require suitable conditions for survival: the right water flow, clarity, temperature, oxygen levels, and substrate. Unfortunately, the odds are now against a young mussel settling into such suitable habitat. Despite these intricate dependencies—or perhaps because of them—an astounding array of mussels, fishes, and other organisms has evolved to populate the fresh waters of our country. Indeed, the United States stands out as a global center of freshwater biodiversity.

Fresh Waters Run Rich Rivers and lakes cover less than 1 percent of the Earth’s surface; by volume these fresh waters amount to just 0.01 percent of the world’s total water. The remainder is marine (97.5 percent), permanently frozen, or in aquifers beneath the ground surface.2 Despite their slight significance in surface area and volume, rivers and lakes harbor at least 12 percent of the world’s known animal species, including 41 percent (8,400 species) of all known fishes.3 Considering the rate at which scientists are discovering previously unknown species, freshwater fishes may actually constitute more than half of all vertebrate species on Earth.2 This diversity of freshwater life is not randomly distributed around the globe. The tropics, especially rainforests, are widely recognized as centers of species diversity. Few people realize, however, that the United States is a world center of freshwater species diversity (Table 1). Although

Table 1. Global Significance of U.S. Freshwater Species The United States harbors an impressive diversity of freshwater species in comparison with most other countries. For several groups of organisms the United States ranks first in the number of known species.

Number of Described U.S. Species

Number of Described Species Worldwide

Percentage of Known Species Worldwide Found in U.S.

U.S. Ranking Worldwide in Species Diversity

Fishes

801

8,400

10

7

Crayfishes

322

525

61

1

Freshwater Mussels

300

1,000

30

1

Freshwater Snails

600

4,000

15

1

Stoneflies

600

1,550

40

1

Mayflies

590

2,000

30

1

1,400

10,564

13

1

Dragonflies & Damselflies

452

5,756

8

Stygobites

327

2,000

16

Taxonomic Group

Caddisflies

Note: Numbers are rounded for some groups.

uncer tain uncertain 1 Sources: 4-19

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Blair Nikula

most of the world’s freshwater fish

©

with 801 species, ranks seventh among

species are tropical, the United States, countries in the world in recorded fish species—after Brazil, Venezuela, Indonesia, China, Zaire, and Peru.4,5 In contrast, only 193 freshwater fish species are known from all the countries of Europe and 188 species from the continent of Australia.6 Freshwater invertebrates are in general less well studied than fishes, although groups such as mollusks, crayfishes, and some aquatic insects Found in clear, cold high-quality northeastern streams, the vulnerable brook snaketail dragonfly (Ophiogomphus aspersus) is among the more than 80 U.S. dragonfly and damselfly species at risk due to habitat loss or degradation.

are sufficiently well known to allow for meaningful global comparisons. These invertebrates also reveal the extraordinary diversity of America’s fresh waters.

The United States is home to three-fifths of the world’s known crayfishes, 96 percent of which occur no place else.7,8 Almost one-third (approximately 300 species) of all known freshwater mussels occur in the United States.7,9 By comparison, China has only 38 known mussel species, India has 54, and the rivers of Europe and Africa have only 10 and 56 species, respectively.10 The United States is also comparatively rich in freshwater snails and in an unusual assemblage of freshwater invertebrates called stygobites, which are restricted to life underground.11-15 Although freshwater insects are less well known worldwide, again the United States ranks first among countries in described species for three relatively well-studied groups: stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies.7,16-20

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Imperiled Assets: Freshwater Species at Risk The most grievous assault on the Earth’s environment is the destruction of species, both plant and animal. It is the destruction of life itself; life which has evolved over hundreds of millions of years into a diversity of forms that stagger the imagination; life of a beauty and complexity that fill one with awe and wonder. Russell Train, former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1990

A

s a whole, organisms that depend on

freshwater ecosystems are in grave condition. The 1997 Species Report Card,21 released by The Nature Conservancy in cooperation with the state Natural Heritage Network (see box, page 9), found that: 67 percent of U.S. freshwater mussels are vulnerable to extinction or are already extinct; more than 1 in 10 mussels may have become extinct during this century alone. 303 fish species—37 percent of the U.S. freshwater fish fauna—are at risk of extinction; 17 species have already gone extinct, mostly in this century. 51 percent of U.S. crayfishes are imperiled or vulnerable. 40 percent of amphibians are imperiled or vulnerable. At least 106 major populations of salmon and steelhead trout on the West Coast have been extirpated, and an additional 214 salmon, steelhead trout, and sea-run cutthroat trout stocks are at risk of extinction.22 Freshwater species as a whole are much more imperiled than terrestrial species. An assessment of the proportion of imperiled and vulnerable species in different groups of organisms in the United States (Figure 1) reveals that the most imperiled groups are those that consist entirely or primarily of freshwater species. Startling as these findings are, they are consistent with other recent assessments of the deteriorating condition of freshwater species and ecosystems in the United States.2,6,23-29 Although extinction is a natural process, scientists report that current extinction rates are on the order of 1,000 times normal rates.30,31 Reflecting the severity of the situation, more than 300 freshwater species are listed or proposed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Moreover, scientists report that under existing and often worsening habitat conditions, conservation efforts for most federally listed or candidate aquatic species are inadequate to prevent continuing declines in abundance, distribution, and other measures of viability.

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Figure 1. Proportion of U.S. Species at Risk The species groups that are proportionately the most imperiled—mussels, crayfishes, and amphibians— consist entirely or primarily of freshwater species. (Source: 1997 Species Report Card 21) Freshwater Mussels Crayfishes Amphibians Freshwater Fishes Flowering Plants Conifers Ferns

Vulnerable (G3)

Tiger Beetles Dragonflies/Damselflies

Imperiled (G2)

Reptiles

Critically Imperiled (G1)

Butterflies/Skippers

Presumed/Possibly Extinct (GX/GH)

Mammals Birds 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

SPECIES CONSERVATION STATUS Conservation status is assessed by The Nature Conservancy and Natural Heritage Network using a 1 to 5 ranking system, ranging from critically imperiled (G1) to demonstrably secure (G5).32 Species known to be extinct, or missing and possibly extinct, also are recorded. In general, species classified as vulnerable (G3) or rarer may be considered to be “at risk.”

GX PRESUMED EXTINCT not located despite intensive searches

“G” refers to global or rangewide status. National (N) and state (S) status ranks also are assessed.

G3 VULNERABLE rare; typically 21 to 100 occurrences or 3,000 to 10,000 individuals

The terms “endangered” and “threatened” are legal designations referring to species listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and subject to its provisions.

GH POSSIBLY EXTINCT of historical occurrence; still some hope of rediscovery G1 CRITICALLY IMPERILED typically 5 or fewer occurrences or 1,000 or fewer individuals G2 IMPERILED typically 6 to 20 occurrences or 1,000 to 3,000 individuals

G4 APPARENTLY SECURE uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern; usually more than 100 occurrences and 10,000 individuals G5 SECURE common; widespread and abundant

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70%

Where Is the Problem? To answer this question, we can look at many geographic scales. From a political and administrative perspective, it is useful to view state distributions of at-risk freshwater species. An analysis of distributions by large watersheds, or regions, gives a more natural perspective of species concentrations. But focusing on smaller watershed areas is crucial for taking conservation action, because this is the scale at which many threats to water quality, ecosystem integrity, and species survival must be addressed. This first national analysis of at-risk species distributions not only focuses on the practical watershed scale, but also suggests a set of key watersheds that collectively encompass all at-risk fish and mussel species in the continental United States.

State of the States The diversity of freshwater species in different states and the serious threats confronting their habitats are reflected in the map depicted below (Figure 2). States with the greatest number of freshwater fish species at risk are concentrated largely in the southeastern United States; the arid western states, however, have the highest proportion of extinct, imperiled, and vulnerable fishes. Five states—California, Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, and Alabama—each have at least 14 fish species that are endemic—found nowhere else in the world.

Figure 2. State Distribution of At-Risk Freshwater Fishes Southeastern states have the greatest numbers of imperiled and vulnerable species, while states in the arid West have fewer species but lead in the percentage of their fish species that are at risk. (Figures are for full species only and do not include subspecies or distinct populations.) 3 (4%)

5 (10%) 6 (7%)

4 (7%)

16 (24%) 9 (22%) 28 (52%) 28 (42%)

8 (14%)

8 (6%)

8 (6%)

5 (6%) 18 (58%)

24 (63%)

9 (20%)

25 (30%)

7 (5%)

4 (4%)

15 (8%)

21 (11%)

10 (8%) 15 (9%)

30 (15%) 17 (8%)

39 (21%)

13 (8%) 8 (6%)

13 (8%)

12 16 (8%) 16 (9%) 41 (11%) (20%) 30 (13%) 39 (18%) 66 (23%) 15 (13%) 61 (21%)

51 (19%)

12 (7%)

Number of Freshwater Fish Species at Risk

0 (0%)

0-1 2-9 10 - 13

4 (67%)

8

2 (4%)

14 - 17 18 - 30 31 - 66

19 (13%)

3 (6%) 3 (6%) 2 (5%) 2 3 (4%) (5%) 3 (5%) 5 3 (3%) (5%)

A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP Rivers of Life draws on the scientific work of the Natural Heritage Network, a unique institutional collaboration devoted to collecting, managing, and sharing information about species and ecosystems at risk. More than 500 participating scientists, along with collaborating biologists from other institutions, share the task of evaluating the conservation status of species and documenting their distribution. Operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean, individual heritage data centers typically are part of state agencies charged with natural resource or wildlife

management. To assist in land-use planning, environmental review, and targeting of conservation efforts, the individual natural heritage data centers maintain detailed maps and computer records for locations of the most imperiled species in their state. The Association for Biodiversity Information and The Nature Conservancy work together to provide support to the Natural Heritage Network. (See page 66 for addresses of participating state agencies and programs, or visit their Internet home pages at http://www.heritage.tnc.org/.)

A Regional Perspective Species ranges do not respect state lines. Freshwater species are distributed based on hydrology, especially watershed boundaries, and the local geologic and climatic forces that shape the landscape. Reflecting hydrologic factors, the United States can be divided into large freshwater regions * where significantly different aquatic assemblages occur, as shown in Figure 3. These regions consist of large or multiple river basins and provide a more natural picture of the most biologically diverse regions of the United States.33 Although at-risk freshwater species are distributed throughout the United States, two particular regions include 35 percent of all vulnerable and imperiled fish and mussel species (161 of 465 species): the Tennessee-Cumberland River basins (including Tennessee and parts of six other states) and the Mobile River basin (including most of Alabama, parts of Georgia and Mississippi, and a bit of Tennessee). Seventy percent (113) of these at-risk species occur nowhere else in the world; they are endemic or restricted to one of these two regions. These basins are also rich in other freshwater species, including snails and turtles.34 The Interior Highlands region (located in Arkansas, southern Missouri, southwestern Oklahoma, and northeastern Texas) has the next-highest count of fish and mussel species at risk, with 54 species. All U.S. freshwater regions and their numbers of at-risk fish and mussel species are listed in Appendix A. The extraordinary diversity of southeastern U.S. rivers results from the coincidence of a diverse physical geography, favorable climate, and a long but dynamic history. The numerous streams of the southeastern United States flow across geologically and topographically diverse landforms. This varied landscape was spared the repeated habitat-crushing advances of continental ice sheets during * The U.S. Forest Service classifies freshwater ecological units in a seven-level hierarchy: subzones, regions, subregions, river basins, subbasins, watersheds, and subwatersheds.33 In this report, we use the more generic term “region” to refer to a subregion and the more generic term “watershed” to refer to a subbasin, which is the same as the U.S. Geological Survey’s eight-digit Hydrologic Cataloging Unit. In the contiguous United States, there are all or parts of 48 subregions and 2,111 subbasins. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses the subbasin, or eight-digit Hydrologic Cataloging Unit, for its “Index of Watershed Indicators.”

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the Pleistocene era, allowing living things to persist and evolve over time. Patterns of evolution were affected by the changes in climate, stream drainage patterns, and coastline position that accompanied glacial movements in the North. These changes isolated many populations, enabling them to diverge genetically and evolve into new species.

On Salmon and Subspecies The preceding analysis reflects the status of full taxonomic species, which are particularly important to conservation of biodiversity from a genetic perspective. However, within-species genetic diversity is also crucial to preserve, and is represented at the subspecies and population levels. For example, 14 fish species are found only in Nevada; however, an additional 39 fish subspecies exist only within that state’s borders.35 The conservation importance of within-species diversity has been recognized under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which allows for the listing of subspecies and distinct populations as endangered or threatened. Population-level genetic variability is perhaps best known in anadromous fishes such as salmon and sea-run trout. Because of their economic and ecological importance, salmonids are the most studied and intensively managed freshwater organisms in the United States. These wide-ranging

Figure 3. Regional Concentrations of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species The number of at-risk fish and mussel species by freshwater regions in the United States. The TennesseeCumberland and Mobile River basins in the Southeast have extraordinarily diverse assemblages of freshwater animal species, many of which are imperiled or vulnerable.

Number of Species by Region 1-9 10 - 24

25 - 49 50 - 99 100 - 104

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animals spawn in specific watersheds where they return to breed after spending a number of years maturing in the ocean. Possessing remarkable sensory homing abilities, they usually return at a specific season to the river where they hatched. Each of these populations—called “runs” or “stocks”— contains unique genetic diversity because of limited breeding with other stocks and adaptations to local environmental conditions. The loss of a stock results in an irreplaceable loss of genetic diversity for the species as a whole. When salmon species are viewed at the level of individual stocks, two parts of the country emerge as areas with many imperiled groups at the subspecies or population level (Figure 4). In the Pacific Northwest, at least 106 major populations of salmon and steelhead trout have already been extirpated. In California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, 214 salmon and steelhead stocks are at risk of extinction, representing seven species: chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and sea-run cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki).22 In New England waters another species, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), has four stocks that are at risk. As important as salmon are to the economy and ecology of the nation, the remainder of this report focuses on the less-recognized but even larger number of other freshwater species whose future is in question.

Figure 4. Regional Concentrations of At-Risk Salmon Stocks Although full species of imperiled freshwater fishes and mussels are concentrated in the Southeast, salmonid stocks at risk are clustered in the Pacific Northwest and New England (number indicates at-risk salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat stocks by region). 41

6 4 78

83 5

11

11

Charlie Ott, TNC ©

Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) spawn in small, clear streams from Alaska to California. Twenty-nine stocks of sockeye are considered extinct and an additional 70 sockeye stocks are at risk in the Pacific Northwest (parts of four U.S. states plus British Columbia and the Yukon). This is primarily due to the estimated loss of 96 percent of their habitat in the Columbia River basin.22,36

Threats to Freshwater Species and Systems Because rivers integrate everything in their landscapes, the living organisms found in rivers tell us about the status and quality of their watersheds. Unfortunately, the story told in North America’s rivers today is one of damaged landscapes and the historical tendency to undervalue our rivers.37 James R. Karr, professor, University of Washington, 1997

Although the Southeast and West stand out as epicenters of endangerment, as noted previously, freshwater organisms are under stress throughout the United States. Among the many significant threats to freshwater species and their habitats, three stand out nationwide:38 Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources and is usually carried in rainwater and snowmelt to surface and subsurface waters. This pollution often includes a variety of chemical and nutrient contaminants that degrade water quality. Of special concern are the sediments from uncontrolled soil erosion, which can smother stream bottoms and render them unsuitable for many aquatic creatures. Agriculture, some forestry activities, urban and suburban development, and highway construction all contribute to erosion. Non-native species, accidentally or purposely introduced into aquatic systems, interfere with native species by competing with them for limited resources and by directly preying upon them.

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Dams and their associated operations seriously alter the flow, temperature, and nutrient content of waterways. The impounded water upstream and the altered downstream flows physically change stream channels, while the dam itself poses a barrier to species dispersal. The downstream and upstream effects of a single dam can alter the character of an entire watershed. In the United States, some 75,000 dams larger than six feet and 2.5 million smaller dams have widespread and pervasive effects on freshwater life.39,40 Only 42 free-flowing rivers longer than 125 miles remain in the United States—less than 2 percent of the country’s 3.1 million miles of rivers and streams.3,41 Human disturbance of freshwater systems can have devastating and unexpected costs. Nutrient enrichment of stream systems has catalyzed toxic outbreaks of Pfiesteria piscicida, a microscopic aquatic organism linked to fish kills numbering in the hundreds of thousands. First discovered in 1988, this one-celled species enters the deadly phase of its life cycle when it is stimulated by fish waste or nutrient enrichment of water bodies—through infusions of fertilizer, sewage, or livestock waste. Pfiesteria not only kills fishes but harms human health: People exposed to Pfiesteria-filled waters experience memory loss, impaired cognitive function, and skin lesions. In the wake of Pfiesteria fish kills and resulting public alarm, state authorities in North Carolina and Maryland closed rivers to human use, harming the regions’ fishery and tourism industries.42

NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION The Clean Water Act has been more effective in controlling “end of pipe” (point source) industrial and municipal discharges than the diffuse, nonpoint sources of sediments and pollution that are now the greatest cause of degraded water quality. Agricultural lands are critical for protection of water quality and streamlife because fields and pastures can deliver vast quantities of sediments, chemicals, and nutrients to receiving waters. The President’s Council on Environmental Quality reports total soil erosion losses at 2.1 billion tons nationwide, or 5.6 tons per acre per year. Approximately 65 percent of the sediment washed into U.S. streams, rivers, and lakes comes from cropland, pastures, and rangeland.43 Often bound to this eroded sediment is phosphorus, the nutrient primarily responsible for eutrophication in freshwater systems. Eutrophication can cause “blooms” of algae that virtually kill lakes and clog freshwater supply intakes. Well-tested and readily available management practices can greatly limit losses of valuable topsoil and nutrients from agricultural areas

while reducing farmers’ investments in chemical additives. Urban and residential areas not only contribute nonpoint source pollutants but alter natural water flows within watersheds by increasing the percentage of roads, driveways, parking lots, and other impermeable ground surfaces. Pollution in residential areas is caused by failing septic systems, septic system additives, improper disposal of household chemicals, stormwater runoff, construction activities, and inappropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides. More than 30 studies have found that stream systems become significantly degraded when 10 to 12 percent of the watershed is made impermeable.44 For example, in one study, trout were lost when watershed impermeability reached 12 percent.45 Stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces carries large amounts of sediment, heavy metals, oil, and oxygen-demanding organic matter. Moreover, an increase in impermeable surfaces increases the intensity of stormwater runoff, hastening the erosion of streambanks and further degrading stream systems.

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Brian Richter, TNC ©

Taylor Draw Dam on the White River in Colorado is among the 26 major dams built in the upper Colorado River system. These dams have seriously altered the natural habitat of the region’s native fishes, including endangered species such as the Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus).

Valuing Our Fresh Waters Human survival has always been dependent on our ability to recognize, understand, and utilize biological diversity. However much we learn to manipulate our environment, we cannot escape our dependency on biodiversity for food, medicines, and materials or for the ecological services provided by healthy, diverse ecosystems.46 Stephen Blackmore, Keeper of Botany, The Natural History Museum, London, 1996

Clean water is essential to life. Both humans and all the other animals profiled in this report depend on an adequate supply of clean water. Stream-dwelling insects, mollusks, and crustaceans are indicators of environmental quality. Like the fishes that have succumbed to Pfiesteria outbreaks, these species provide warning signs of problems with water quality and ecosystem stability when their numbers drop. Many state agencies monitor fishes and aquatic insects not only to assess the condition of freshwater habitats but to evaluate water quality for decisions about water supply and land management.47 Freshwater habitats provide for many of our fundamental needs: water for drinking and irrigation; food in the form of fishes and waterfowl; and in-stream services such as flood control, transportation, recreation, and water quality protection. Healthy river systems and wetlands retain water and

14

buffer the effects of storms, reducing the loss of life and property to floods. Naturally vegetated streamside riparian zones help trap sediments and break down nonpoint source pollutants. And, rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands have long inspired artists and musicians, enriching the human spirit with their beauty. Freshwater species offer a wealth of goods and services. Aquatic filter-feeding animals like mussels remove nutrients and toxic substances from water, keeping it cleaner for drinking and recreation. Fishes are an integral part of aquatic food webs, intricately linked to ecosystem health. Around the world, some 950 million people rely on fishes as their primary source of protein. In 1990, the total harvest of freshwater fish worldwide was valued at $8.2 billion. Surprisingly, the value of the freshwater sport fishery in the United States alone is twice that of the global commercial harvest, with direct expenditures in 1991 totaling approximately $16 billion.48,49 The total global value of fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, waterfowl, and other goods extracted from freshwater systems is estimated at more than $100 billion per year, and may be several times that amount.50,51 Aside from food and income value, people also care about the very survival of rare and endangered fish species. Economic valuation studies show that people are willing to pay up to $60 per household per year to ensure that imperiled species continue to exist.. 52 Still-undiscovered genetic and chemical resources of aquatic species hold potential value for medical, agricultural, and industrial applications. Fishes are frequently used as experimental models ©

for studies in neurobiology, developmental

Harold E. Malde

biology, endocrinology, aquatic toxicology and carcinogenesis, and biochemical and genetic adaptation.53 Certain chemicals found in freshwater species have been worth millions of dollars to the companies that identified their pharmaceutical uses, but their value is immeasurable to the people who benefit from these biomedical advances. To gain from the storehouse of information that remains hidden in freshwater species, we must preserve them and their natural habitats. Perhaps most important, rivers are “crucibles of evolution.” 54 Freshwater species are the product of millions of years of evolution, and we have an obligation to them, to ourselves, and to our descendants to ensure that they do not go the way of the Snake River sucker, the silver trout, the Tennessee riffleshell, and the other aquatic species once found in the United States that live no more.

Native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) can be found in Idaho’s Snake River, a popular sportfishing destination.

15

Challenges of Aquatic Conservation To protect your rivers, protect your mountains. Emperor Yu of China, 1600 B.C.E.

Protecting streamlife is a complicated business. Because water flows downhill, freshwater species are affected by activities taking place anywhere upstream or uphill in the watershed, even many miles away. Conservation actions must therefore address threats to water quantity and quality over large areas that are upstream from imperiled species and habitats. Human activities in watersheds can pose a host of threats to freshwater species. Yet, it is often difficult to pinpoint the stresses on streams, species, and habitats. Even when these stresses are correctly identified, the sources of water quality and quantity problems can be difficult to control. Too often human activities within the watershed are incompatible with conservation objectives for freshwater species and habitats. To protect freshwater species and systems, we will need to counter the threats that jeopardize their survival. We will need to prevent pollution and invasion by non-native species. We will also need to maintain the integrity of these systems by restoring ecological processes. Particularly important to sustaining biodiversity and the health of freshwater systems is retaining or restoring the natural variability in stream flows: timing, duration, ©

The evolutionarily unique crayfish Cambarus pristinus exists only in a tributary of Tennessee’s White Oak Creek.

Mega n Gre y Roll ins

frequency, and rate of change.55,56

Hope for the Future Watersheds are a logical landscape unit for focusing freshwater conservation efforts.6,29,57 The small watershed areas highlighted in the following section of this report offer hope for the future of the nation’s imperiled streamlife. Despite decades of abuse, the United States still has places that harbor incredibly diverse assemblages of freshwater species, many of them found nowhere else. These critical watersheds for conservation—“hot spots” of globally imperiled and vulnerable species—should be targeted by all who have a stake in our freshwater heritage: local citizens; local watershed groups; local, state, and national governments; private corporations; and conservation organizations.

16

©

Harold E. Malde

The Santa Margarita River flows through the Camp Pendleton Marine Base and the rapidly urbanizing landscape of Southern California, making protection of its aquatic species a complex and challenging endeavor.

17

Critical Watersheds for Conservation Setting Conservation Priorities The precarious state of freshwater organisms across the country makes clear the need for concerted efforts to protect our rich and globally significant aquatic heritage. The scale of this need, however, far outstrips the resources currently available for this task. Setting priorities for freshwater conservation activities thus becomes an important step in effectively designing and carrying out protection strategies at national as well as local levels. The Nature Conservancy has adopted an ecoregion-based approach to setting priorities and protecting biological diversity.58 This involves identifying priority conservation sites within each of the nation’s ecological regions, or ecoregions. Ecoregions are large geographically defined areas, each with particular environmental conditions, such as climate and geology, that support distinctive groupings of species and ecological communities.59,60 Priority sites within ecoregions generally are those that reflect the best examples of characteristic ecological communities, or that encompass species and communities that are rare or otherwise at risk of disappearing. Protecting a well-designed suite of priority sites can help ensure the conservation of the ecoregion’s entire complement of species, along with the genetic variability that is critical for these species’ long-term survival.61 Because conservationists are only just beginning to identify and classify aquatic communities consistently,62 freshwater conservation priorities must still largely be defined based on species-level information. There are several species-oriented approaches to selecting sets of areas where conservation would most efficiently protect biological diversity. One strategy is to identify hot spots, areas with the greatest total diversity of species or, preferably, the greatest number of species at risk.63-65 Another approach combines additional criteria to ensure that all target species are represented in the selected portfolio. In identifying the following critical watersheds for conservation, we employ both of these strategies.

Hot Spots for Freshwater Species at Risk Of the more than 2,000 small watershed areas found across the continental United States, about 1,300 support one or more fish or mussel species at risk. In turn, 87 of these stand out as hot spots, harboring 10 or more imperiled species (Figure 5). These hot spots of aquatic diversity are largely concentrated in the Southeast: four river basins alone, the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland, and Mobile, contain 18 of the top 19 watersheds. The upper Clinch River on the Virginia-Tennessee border surpasses all other small watershed areas in the country, with 48 imperiled and vulnerable fish

18

Number of At-Risk Species by Watershed 10 - 14 1 15 - 23 2-3 24 - 50 4-9

Figure 5. Hot Spots for At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species Watersheds with 10 or more at-risk fish and mussel species are concentrated in the Southeast, reflecting the extraordinary species diversity of rivers and streams in this region.

HOT SPOTS ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY This hot spots analysis is based on precise location data collected by the Natural Heritage Network for 307 vulnerable or imperiled fish species and 158 mussel species. These data were supplemented with information from the scientific literature. Using geographic information system (GIS) computer mapping technology, analysts assigned fish and mussel species to the small watershed areas or subbasins (U.S. Geological Survey eight-digit Hydrologic Cataloging Units) where they are known to occur. Experts in all states reviewed the data to refine the small watershed area distributions of imperiled and vulnerable fish and mussel species. Alaska was excluded from the analysis because it has no freshwater fish or mussel species that are currently considered to be at risk.

Because of its distance from North America, Hawaii was also excluded from the analysis,although its islands are home to four vulnerable freshwater fishes, each occurring on five islands: Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. Only full species and not subspecies, populations, or stocks were included in this analysis. Other freshwater species groups (such as snails, crayfishes, or aquatic insects) were not included because location information on these species is not as well developed as the information on fish and mussel species. Including these species would have biased the results to areas with more complete inventory data rather than to indicate areas that are actually home to the highest numbers of species at risk.

19

Harold E. Malde ©

Conservationists, farmers, and state and federal agencies are working together to restore and maintain critical streamside corridors along Ohio’s Big and Little Darby Creeks, a refuge for 103 fish and 38 mussel species.

and mussel species—including 21 that are federally listed as endangered or threatened. Three of the top eight rivers—the upper Clinch, the upper Green (Kentucky), and the Conasauga (TennesseeGeorgia)—are profiled later in this report. Appendix B lists the 87 small watershed hot spots with 10 or more species at risk. For hot spots to be useful in defining conservation priorities, they must be defined at the right scale. For many species, the small watershed unit used in this analysis is the appropriate scale. In certain circumstances, however, conservation activities may be effectively employed on a larger scale (for example, in several adjacent watershed areas) or a smaller scale (such as in a small headwater stream or a single spring within the watershed), depending on the nature of the threats and the species of concern. Looking beyond small watershed boundaries is also essential when vulnerable streamlife regularly moves between drainages, such as sturgeons, squawfishes, and anadromous fishes like salmon and shad. On the other hand, viable populations of at-risk fish and mussel species may be found only in a small portion of the watershed, not its entire area. And threats to the continued existence of atrisk species may only be manageable in a small area of the subbasin. Some threats may require attention upstream, such as the effects of large dams and water withdrawals, while other threats may (surprisingly) require abatement downstream, such as dams that block fish passage, or channelization and gravel extraction that can cause destructive upstream-progressing river channel erosion.66

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An Aquatic Portfolio: Critical Watersheds for Conservation While the watershed hot spots highlighted in the previous section harbor the greatest diversity of imperiled species, some at-risk fish and mussel species exist only outside of these areas. Conservation strategies based solely on hot spots would leave these species out in the cold. An extension of this hot spots approach is thus needed that identifies a suite of watersheds that comprehensively could protect these imperiled organisms. The following analysis of critical watersheds for conservation suggests that a relatively small number of watershed areas could conserve much of the nation’s rich aquatic diversity. Protection of the 327 small watershed areas displayed below (Figure 6) would conserve populations of all known imperiled and vulnerable fish and mussel species in the United States—and thereby a significant portion of the world’s freshwater biodiversity. Representing only 15 percent of the total number of watersheds in the continental United States, this portfolio includes one or more watersheds in each U.S. ecoregion (see box, page 22). Watersheds and ecoregions can be used in a complementary way for resource management;60 by incorporating ecoregional representation into this watershed-based analysis, the portfolio should reflect a significant portion of the nation’s freshwater genetic and ecological variability. And while designed around fishes and mussels, conservation activities in these watersheds would also benefit the many other aquatic and terrestrial co-inhabitants of these ecosystems.

Figure 6.

Critical Watersheds to Conserve Fish and Mussel Species

Protecting and restoring 327 watersheds—15 percent of the total—would conserve populations of all at-risk freshwater fish and mussel species in the United States.

21

WATERSHED SELECTION PROCESS fashion. Within each of the 63 ecoregions currently recognized by The Nature Conservancy,61 which are a refinement of ecoregions originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service59, the subbasin with the highest index value was selected. Additional subbasins were then added in nationally where indices were >1.5 or where G1G3 fish and mussel diversity was >14 species. Then, subbasins that have at least two G1-G3 fish or mussel species and that are already known to be the focus of conservation efforts aimed at some of the component fresh-water species were added. Additional subbasins were then added to ensure that all 465 G1-G3 fish and mussel species were captured at least twice (with the exception of species restricted to a single subbasin, which were necessarily captured only once). Finally, conservation practitioners and scientists reviewed the subbasins selected to eliminate those with known non-viable populations or insurmountable threats. The resulting 327 subbasins constitute 15 percent of the 2,111 subbasins or small watershed areas in the lower 48 states.

©

Harold E. Malde

The small watersheds highlighted in Figure 6 were selected on the basis of a rarity-weighted richness index (RWRI) for each eight-digit hydrologic unit (subbasin).67 The index is developed by giving each species a score that is calculated as 1 divided by the number of subbasins in which the species currently occurs (hi). If a species is now found in only one subbasin, the species gets a score of 1/1, or 1.0; if a species currently occurs in 20 subbasins, it receives a score of 1/ 20, or 0.05. The individual species scores are then summed for the component G1-G3 fish and mussel species in each subbasin to yield a rarityweighted index for the subbasin. (The mathematical equation for this index is as follows: n RWRI = ; i=1 1/hi where n = the number of species found within a subbasin. In the case of a subbasin with one endemic species and one species occurring in 19 other subbasins, the RWRI=1.05. This score may be thought of as an index of irreplaceability of the subbasin.) Watersheds were selected in a stepwise

The Mimbres River of New Mexico, a critical watershed to conserve at-risk fish and mussel species, provides habitat to the Chihuahua chub (Gila negrescens).

22

This set of watersheds is not a definitive list to protect all freshwater biodiversity, but it does provide a starting point for conservation action. Although the analysis is based on the best currently available scientific information, it represents only the species groups for which complete information is available. Such analyses should be repeated in the future as more is learned about other freshwater groups (such as crayfishes, snails, and aquatic insects), subspecies or stocks (such as salmon or cutthroats), and newly recognized species (for instance, more than 100 new U.S. freshwater fishes have been identified in the past quarter century). In some parts of the country, information may be available that will point to additional watersheds (beyond this set of 327) that are critical to the survival of imperiled streamlife other than fish and mussel species. For example, the Wood-Pawtucket watershed in Rhode Island has no fish or mussel species at risk, but is home to 8 species of globally imperiled and vulnerable dragonflies and damselflies.68 Similarly, Eagle Lake in California has no fish or mussel species at risk but is home to genetically distinct populations of rainbow trout and tui-chub, as well as a number of endemic snail species.69 Conserving the 327 watersheds represented in Figure 6 will protect at least two populations of nearly all at-risk fishes and mussels, but ultimately this may not be enough to ensure the long-term survival of those species. Species require the protection of multiple populations to achieve that objective. Looking beyond a species perspective, even watersheds and streams without imperiled species deserve the best possible care and stewardship that we can give them, because human health and quality of life are tied to their well-being.

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Rivers of Life: Working to Protect Freshwater Hot Spots

M

any of the critical watershed areas high-

lighted in this report are already benefiting from concerted efforts to conserve their imperiled freshwater life. We feature here eight watersheds included on the preceding list of critical watersheds that currently are the focus of protection efforts. These profiles highlight the many ways individuals, organizations, and agencies are working together to conserve hot spots of freshwater biodiversity, and illustrate the challenges and opportunities inherent in freshwater conservation efforts.

Green

Clinch

Conasauga

Altamaha Verde Guadalupe

Kiamichi

24

Cahaba

© Jon Golden, TNC

Clinch River Virginia and Tennessee

I

magine playing a game of environmental “Jeop-

mist-shrouded Appalachian Mountains of southwestern

ardy!” The category is rare species. Answer: This unsung

Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. Here, streams me-

region has the highest number of globally imperiled and

ander amid ridges and valleys to form the upper Clinch

vulnerable freshwater species in the United States.

and Powell rivers, the only undammed and ecologically

Question: What is the Clinch River watershed? With its

intact headwaters of the Tennessee River system. The

29 rare mussel species and 19 rare fish species, the Clinch

region’s limestone bedrock is honeycombed by some

River above Tennessee’s Norris Reservoir is home to a

1,250 caves and uncounted underground springs and

remarkable level of aquatic diversity. In fact, the Clinch

streams. In addition to the diversity in the rivers, this mostly

and Powell rivers harbor a collection of freshwater mus-

unexplored world is filled with a menagerie of rare beetles,

sels unmatched anywhere in the world. These unglam-

isopods, and other insects—creatures just as dependent

orous animals are known by vividly descriptive common

on good water quality as are mussels and fishes. In all, 28

names: spectaclecase, Tennessee

species found in the Clinch and

heelsplitter, Appalachian monkey-

Powell valleys are federally listed as

face, snuffbox.

threatened or endangered.

The nation’s leading hot spot

Unfortunately for these fasci-

of aquatic diversity is found in one

nating creatures, their survival

of the most unlikely places: the

prospects resemble a real-life game

25

of jeopardy played out each day. In the past century, the

Farmers always show a knack for getting things done,

region has suffered deep ecological losses. Where once

and those living along the upper Clinch and Powell rivers

there were 60 kinds of freshwater mussels, only about 40

are no exception. Since 1989, dozens of farmers have

remain. A history of natural resource exploitation has dam-

voluntarily protected creeks and sensitive caves on their

aged parts of southwest Virginia’s environment, poison-

property to improve local water quality, taking advantage

ing stretches of some rivers. Declining water quality—a

of government and Nature Conservancy incentive pro-

legacy of coal mining and ecologically unsound agricul-

grams. In places like Hancock County in Tennessee and

tural practices—is the primary threat to the rivers today.

Scott County in Virginia, this includes practical solutions

To succeed in the Clinch Valley and elsewhere, con-

such as streambank fencing, reestablishment of riparian

servation must include people. In Russell County, Virginia,

buffers, off-stream water sources for cattle, and carefully

for example, a citizens’ initiative known as the Russell

selected heavy-use areas. The Conservancy provides

County Vision Forum is planning for sustainable devel-

farmers with guidance and financial assistance.

opment to protect the environment and the local way of

To succeed, these programs require long-term part-

life. The county chamber of commerce, the county board

nerships with dozens of groups and agencies, including

of supervisors, the Planning District Commission, The

county officials, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Department of

Nature Conservancy, and the National Association of

Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage and Soil

Counties jointly sponsor the forum.

and Water Conservation programs, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Tennessee Valley

Throughout the Clinch Valley, local landowners and other partners are working with public and private conser-

Authority,

vationists to address the region’s major land-use issues:

Agricul-

the Tennessee Department of ture, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the

forestry, farming, and coal mining. Sixty years after the last major timber harvest in the region, second-growth forests are again ready to be harvested. Economic

©

Kate Spencer

pressures will soon lead to more logging. Whereas Scientists who first described the yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis) believed the species to be extinct, but this secretive, nocturnal fish persists in the Clinch and Powell river system.

poor logging practices can pollute streams and degrade wildlife habitat, environmentally sound timber harvesting could create a sustainable local industry that protects streams and supports local communities. In response,

Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development

local entrepreneurs are leading a revival of the traditional

Council, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S.

craft of low-impact horse-logging. The Conservancy is

Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Fish and

helping local landowners who are making their once-in-

Wildlife Service.

a-lifetime timber harvesting decisions by exploring inno-

The coal re-mining initiative, a partnership among

vative financial mechanisms that will provide incentives

the coal industry, state and federal regulatory agencies,

for long-term sustainable forestry (such as the develop-

and the Conservancy, is tackling the complex issue of

ment of a forest bank, described in the following Green

abandoned mine lands. In a pilot project on Black Creek,

River case study).

a coal company is using new technologies to re-mine, clean

26

©

Jon Golden, TNC

The Clinch River supports an unrivaled diversity of freshwater mussel species.

up, and restore a stream heavily degraded from acid mine

Although conservation groups can help protect

drainage. The urgency of working with the coal industry

rivers by providing resources, information, and expertise,

to solve such problems was brought home in 1996 when

lasting conservation takes the commitment of people who

a coal waste holding pond on a tributary of the Powell

live and work there. That commitment is the tie that binds

River burst, sending a black plume through 30 miles of

the varied conservation efforts on the Clinch and Powell

streams and killing at least 11,000 fishes.

rivers.

27

©

Adam Jones

Green River Kentucky

K

entucky’s upper Green River is the most bio-

The primary land use in the Green River watershed

logically rich branch remaining of the Ohio River system.

is agriculture, yet extensive forests remain in the riparian

Although its upper headwaters are impounded, the river

zone and in the watershed. Intact forests keep soil where

flows unhindered for a 100-mile stretch through eight

it should be: on the ground, not in the river. With in-

counties and Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s

creased timber harvesting in the Green watershed, the risk

largest cave system. This 100-mile reach is where the river’s

of land degradation and river siltation rises. This could

great aquatic diversity is concentrated.

harm water quality and reduce habitat

It also stands to benefit from an inno-

value for imperiled aquatic species.

vative forest management approach that

The development of a forest bank

would preserve water quality and

—a market-based approach to sustain-

species diversity by preventing siltation.

able forest management—holds great

28

promise for the Green watershed, as well as the Clinch

species, including the federally listed endangered Mam-

watershed and Big Brushy Creek in Ohio. This newly con-

moth Cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri), found nowhere

ceived conservation tool encourages local landowners

else in the world.

to turn over their timber rights to a “bank” in exchange

The Green’s unique aquatic and subterranean spe-

for a steady rate of return on their forest resources. The

cies are threatened not only by poor forest management

bank places the dedicated forestland under a sustainable

practices but by pollution from inadequate industrial and

management regime, and then actively markets its “green”

residential sewage treatment, siltation from improper

harvested wood products. This arrangement ensures that

agricultural techniques, and streamflow regulation.

as timber is harvested, water quality is maintained. It also

Although the Green is still free of the non-native zebra

ensures steady income flow for the forest owners who

mussel, invasion by this exotic species could be devastat-

entrust their land to the bank.

ing to the river’s native mussel life. Preventing the invasion of non-native fish and mussel species is a high prior-

Both people and other species will benefit from

ity in the Green.

efforts to manage forest resources sustainably and in a manner that maintains water quality in the watershed. The

Many partners are working together to minimize

Green River boasts 71 mussel species and more than 150

threats to the Green River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife

fish species, including the rare northern cavefish (Ambly-

Service has committed to carrying out a stress analysis of

opsis spelaea), spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum), and

the watershed, to identify the highest-priority activities to

tippecanoe darter (Etheostoma tippecanoe). Twenty-nine of

reduce threats to the river. The agency will work with

the Green’s mussel

©

and fish species are imperiled or vulnerable, and seven

Megan Grey Rollins

Lampreys, like the Green River’s vulnerable, prehistoric-looking mountain brook lamprey (Ichthyomyzon greeleyi), are the only living freshwater representatives of a group evolved from jawless fishes that lived 500 million years ago.

are listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The upper Green River is also rich in crayfishes, with both the rare cave-dwelling eyeless crayfish (Orconectes pellucidus) and the endemic bottlebrush cray-

private landowners to define the best environmentally

fish (Barbicambarus cornutus).

sound and economically beneficial management practices.

Some of the Green’s greatest biological resources are

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to regulate

not just underwater but underground. Mineral dissolu-

streamflow releases from the river’s headwater dam to meet

tion of the watershed’s underlying limestone bedrock has

both human and wildlife needs. To acquire land in strate-

created sinkhole plains, sinking streams, and numerous

gic places along the Green, Kentucky’s Department of Fish

springs throughout the area. Although this underground

and Wildlife Resources and Nature Preserves Commis-

wonderland harbors countless species still undiscovered,

sion plan to collaborate with The Nature Conservancy.

one subterranean gem, Mammoth Cave National Park, has

Creative approaches and partnerships like the Green River

been well studied. Because of its great size and abundance

forest bank will help protect the long-term health of the

of small, specialized habitats, the Mammoth Cave system

watershed’s aquatic, cave, and terrestrial species and

supports one of the world’s richest collections of cave

communities.

29

© Beth Maynor Young

Cahaba River Alabama

A

lmost 50 percent of all documented U.S.

species, 131, than any river its size in North America. One

species extinctions since European settlement have

of these fish is the Cahaba shiner (Notropis cahabae), one

70

occurred during this century in the Mobile River basin.

of the few endangered fish species confined to the main-

Alabama, through which this vast river system courses,

stem of only one river. Although the number of fresh-

has the unfortunate distinction of being the most extinc-

water mussels and snails has declined sharply from

tion-prone state in the continental United States, with 98

historical numbers, many species are still well represented

species extinct. Most of Alabama’s many rivers have been

in the river, including pearly mussels like the critically

impounded for hydropower or dredged for barge trans-

imperiled orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis).

port, resulting in the disappearance of many

The Cahaba watershed is a treasure trove

riverine habitats and species. Within this

of botanical life as well. As the river flows

landscape of species loss, the Cahaba River

southward into rural Bibb County, it shelters

remains the state’s longest essentially free-

the largest known stand of the imperiled

flowing river, and one of its most biologically

shoals lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). Celebrated

rich.

locally as the Cahaba lily, this spectacular The Cahaba River basin supports 69 rare

and surprisingly delicate flower grows in the

and imperiled species, including 10 fish and

middle of the river, wedging its bulbs into

mussel species that are listed under the U.S.

crevices in the limestone rock. Bibb County

Endangered Species Act. It has more fish

is also home to a unique terrestrial plant

30

community, the Bibb County glades, mostly found imme-

promote river stewardship in the state of Alabama. To safe-

diately adjacent to the Little Cahaba River, a major tribu-

guard water quality in the Cahaba, the group participates

tary. In 1992, botanist Jim Allison counted eight new

on a citizen’s advisory committee on stormwater manage-

species of plants on limestone outcrops along the Cahaba’s

ment. It is also helping to develop a citizen-based, basin-

banks—a discovery befitting expeditions to uncharted

wide plan for water quality protection, pioneering a new

tropical wildernesses.

approach for the state environmental management agency.

Until recently, the steep-sided Appalachian ridges of

The resulting Cahaba River Basin Plan may serve as a model for other basin plans throughout the state.

the Cahaba’s headwater tributaries kept streamside development to a minimum. However, population growth is

The Cahaba River Society is also promoting habitat

pushing residential and commercial development from

conservation and environmental education in the Cahaba

Birmingham into the Cahaba River watershed, resulting

watershed. It is helping Jefferson County, the source of

in increased toxic stormwater runoff, sedimentation, and

the Cahaba’s headwaters, to allocate a $30 million com-

municipal wastewater discharges. At the same time,

mitment to development of greenways. Much of this

domestic drinking water withdrawals from the Cahaba

money will go to Cahaba River greenways. The Cahaba

divert virtually its entire flow during drought periods.

River Society is also working with Bibb County, the

Although threats in the upper watershed are growing, the

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and The Nature

lower half of the watershed, where the Cahaba’s biodi-

Conservancy to acquire a piece of land adjacent to the

versity is most remarkable, is somewhat healthier.

river that will protect several globally significant species.

To prevent degradation of this rich biological re-

To develop broad-based public support for Cahaba River

source, government agencies, conservation groups, and

protection, the group was awarded an environmental

citizens’ groups are working together to protect the

education grant from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and

Cahaba’s rare and endemic aquatic species and natural

Toyota Motors Corporate Services of North America.

communities. The Cahaba River Society, a nonprofit

Through children’s field trips, teacher training, and curri-

conservation organization, was cre-

culum development about the river, the resulting educa-

ated in 1989 to protect the

tional initiative, known as the CLEAN program, will work

Cahaba and

to foster long-term commitment to conservation of the Cahaba and its rich freshwater diversity.

©

Kate Spencer

Conservationists are considering a plan to reintroduce the threatened blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea), last seen in the Cahaba River in 1971.

31

© George Ivey, TNC

Conasauga River Tennessee and Georgia

O

n the steep, forested slopes of the Blue Ridge Moun-

the river harbors other rare fishes, including the freckle-

tains in northwest Georgia, the clean, cool waters of the

belly madtom (Noturus munitus) and the amber darter

Conasauga River descend rapidly through the mountains

(Percina antesella). Some of the rarest river inhabitants live

toward Tennessee. Crossing the state line, the river pauses

quietly at the bottom of the river: a half dozen species of

in deep pools, dropping now and then through a number

freshwater mussels. These animals, including the endan-

of small rapids.

gered southern pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum) and trian-

The Conasauga River supports 24 rare and imper-

gular kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus greenii), filter the river’s

iled aquatic species, including 12 that are federally listed

waters for nourishment. There is even fresh evidence that

under the U.S. Endangered Species

three species of mussels believed to

Act. Its clear waters are home to a

be extinct may actually be surviving

colorful array of rare fishes, includ-

in the Conasauga.

ing the holiday darter (Etheostoma

The Conasauga River supports

brevirostrum), the blue shiner (Cypri-

more rare species and is in better

nella caerulea), and the endangered

condition than most of the other riv-

Conasauga logperch (Percina jen-

ers draining through the Coosa River

kinsi). Flowing farther through

system of northwestern Georgia and

Tennessee and back into Georgia,

eastern Alabama into Mobile Bay.

32

Surrounded by extensive wilderness and national forest-

government agencies joined together to create the

land, the upper third of the river is in almost pristine con-

Conasauga River Alliance. This effort began as an eco-

dition. No dams block fish movements or disturb the river’s

system-based assistance study, which was initiated by the

hydrology. Many of the watershed’s farmers and other land-

Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development

owners have managed their land well, and the river’s

Council and funded through the Natural Resources Con-

native species have benefited from their careful land use.

servation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Local citizens have also benefited from the river’s health:

It has since blossomed into a consolidated effort that now

It provides them with recreational opportunities, outstand-

includes a growing number of local citizens and more than

ing fishing, and, most important, water for agricultural,

20 federal and state agencies. Within the alliance, district conservationists with the

residential, and industrial use. The Conasauga River is not without problems, how-

Natural Resources Conservation Service are working with

ever. Siltation threatens to smother the river bottoms where

farmers on streambank stabilization and restoration, and

endangered fishes feed and mussels live. Excess nutrients

local governments and local citizens are organizing river

and toxic chemicals may also degrade water quality. To

cleanups. Through its many partners, the alliance is also

varying degrees, these pollutants come from crop agri-

sponsoring field trips to educate people about best

culture, cattle, timber harvest practices, poultry operations,

management practices for forestry, residential develop-

and the assorted effects of residential and industrial

ment, and other land uses. Other alliance members are developing signs that will be posted to recognize

development. One industry—carpet manufacturing—

publicly individuals and companies that

and the growth accompanying

manage their fields,

it pose a particular concern for the Conasauga’s distinctive freshwater species. Dalton, Georgia, and other nearby towns

©

Megan Grey Rollins

are reported to produce two-thirds of the country’s wallto-wall carpets. Many carpet mills rely on the waters of the Conasauga River for

The endangered Conasauga logperch (Percina jenkinsi) is restricted to a stretch of river barely 12 miles long.

production. As the carpet industry prospers, residential and industrial development may spread farther in the watershed. Without appropriate conservation action, the

forests, and industries in a “river-friendly” manner.

Conasauga River may become significantly degraded, and

Through these and other cooperative efforts, the

many of its rare fishes and mussels could be driven to

Conasauga River Alliance is taking the first steps to achieve

extinction.

its vision of maintaining “a clean and beautiful Conasauga River—forever.”

To address these concerns about the future of the Conasauga River, local citizens, conservation groups, and

33

© Harold E. Malde

Altamaha River Georgia

N

ew technologies can advance conservation in

attached to their natural heritage, the Altamaha and its

old places where unique species have evolved. In Georgia’s

floodplain remain fairly undisturbed. In its entirety, the

Altamaha River basin, a geographic information system

Altamaha is among the most biologically rich river

(GIS)—a computer application used to overlay and

systems draining into the Atlantic Ocean. It sustains glo-

analyze biological, social, and physical data—is being

bally rare natural communities and 11 imperiled and vul-

wielded as a powerful tool for conservation planning. Eco-

nerable pearly mussel species, 7 of which are found

logical inventory and GIS analysis have provided valuable

nowhere else in the world. In total, at least 130 species of

information to define conservation and

rare or endangered plants and animals are

management priorities in the lower Alta-

found in the Altamaha River watershed.

maha watershed.

Although the Altamaha is still rela-

The Altamaha River drains more

tively intact, management practices with-

than one-quarter of Georgia’s land sur-

in the watershed threaten to reduce

face, making it the third-largest river

water quality and quantity and cause habi-

basin along the Atlantic seaboard. With

tat destruction and degradation. Natural

limited development, a sparse human

communities in the floodplain are being

population, and landowners strongly

lost to timber production, agriculture, and

34

land development. The introduction of non-native spe-

protection. Using GIS software, conservationists overlaid

cies like the flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) and Asiatic

the Altamaha’s land-cover maps with data on imperiled

clam (Corbicula fluminea) has caused native fish and mus-

species occurrences, river hydrology, point sources of

sel species to decline.

pollution, landownership, and political boundaries. The

To protect the river’s biological riches and counter

GIS analysis revealed which lands were natural or con-

mounting threats, The Nature Conservancy initiated an

verted, who owned important areas for conservation and

ecological inventory of the lower Altamaha River water-

threat abatement, and where conservation and manage-

shed in 1991. This inventory was funded by the Wood-

ment actions should be focused.

ruff Foundation, the Georgia Power Company, the U.S.

The Altamaha GIS database is a rich information

Fish and Wildlife Service, and the James M. Cox, Jr., Foun-

source for local decision makers and

dation. Land-cover types were identified and classified

landowners. It is being used

using aerial and satellite imagery coupled with on-the-

to give landowners individualized data on the

ground plant, animal, and natural community surveys. The inventory yielded a

biological resources

set of 18 landcover maps,

on their properties,

significantly increasing

such as what types of

resource managers’

species and natural

understanding of the

communities are found

biological condition

©

on their land, what

Rebecca Flint

their global and state-

of lands adjacent to the river. The landscape-scale land-cover classification meth-

The productive estuarine environment where the lower Altamaha River meets the Atlantic Ocean is habitat to the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) during the summer months.

wide rarity is, and what areas may be important for protection. Supported by the data-

odology developed at the Altamaha became a model for other Conservancy

base, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and

efforts around the country.

The Nature Conservancy are helping hundreds of local

Building upon this analytical work, the U.S. Envi-

landowners learn how they can support conservation on

ronmental Protection Agency funded the Georgia Depart-

their properties using a variety of tools: conservation

ment of Natural Resources and the Conservancy’s effort

easements, enrollment of their property in the Georgia

to carry out the Lower Altamaha River Watershed Demon-

Natural Areas Registry, and adoption of beneficial man-

stration Project. The goal of this initiative was to develop

agement practices, such as leaving vegetation buffers

a management plan and conservation strategy for the lower

intact around streams. The extensive database is helping

Altamaha River watershed. The project also identified the

to make protection of the Altamaha more focused, tar-

stresses that affect the health of the lower watershed in

geted, and efficient—benefiting natural and human

order to curb wetland loss and plan for critical area

communities alike.

35

© Caryn Vaughn

Kiamichi River Oklahoma

O

ne of the rarest mussels in North America occurs in

it traverses ecologically distinct regions: mountains, prai-

Oklahoma’s Kiamichi River: the Ouachita rock pocketbook

rie, and coastal plain. The river originates on the south

(Arkansia wheeleri). This animal is the world’s sole repre-

slope of Rich Mountain, only a stone’s throw from Arkan-

sentative of the genus Arkansia, making it evolutionarily

sas. It flows to the west through the Ouachita Mountains,

distinctive and a high priority for conservation. The only

then south across the Gulf Coastal Plain and Central Plains

remaining viable population of Ouachita rock pocketbooks

to join the Red River on the Oklahoma-Texas border. The

exists in the clean waters of the Kiamichi River, home to

Kiamichi is one of the few tributaries of the Red River that

another 28 mussel species, including 7 imperiled or vul-

has not been significantly influenced by major land-use

nerable species and more than half the mussels known

changes or water diversion. But that may change soon.

from the entire state of Oklahoma.

Plans are under consideration

Harboring more than 100 native

to sell the Kiamichi’s high-quality

fish species, the river is also ex-

water across state boundaries

tremely rich in freshwater insects.

to Texas. Burgeoning population

The key to the Kiamichi’s

growth in the Dallas–Fort Worth

biological significance may be that

metropolis has heightened water

36

demand in the Lone Star State, creating a willingness to

collected information as a tool for education and outreach

buy Kiamichi water at above-market value. This decision

with local citizens. The agency is also interested in estab-

would have ripple effects throughout the Kiamichi water-

lishing a volunteer, community-based water quality pro-

shed, potentially spurring development that would be

gram. This program would equip schools, community

detrimental to the diversity of life that inhabits the river.

groups, and area residents with water quality test kits—

Many people living near the river want to keep their water

a means of collecting data and connecting people with

in the Kiamichi and oppose the trans-state water sale.

the river.

At this time, the Kiamichi remains one of the few

While the issue of interstate water diversion remains

ecologically intact river basins in the region. Only one

unresolved, public and private entities are adopting

main-stem impoundment exists on the lower river.

conservation-friendly management practices to minimize

Land ownership in the watershed is largely private, and

other threats to the river. With the move toward increased

historically these landowners have done a good job of

timber extraction and development in the watershed, best

protecting the river, through actions like leaving riparian

management practices are being adopted to minimize

borders around pastures. The narrow watershed is heavily

environmental disturbances from streamside construction,

forested, and until recently land use was limited primarily

forestland management, and other activities. The Natural

to forestry and cattle grazing. The river has no protected

Resources Conservation Service may support programs

status, however, and it also now faces the threats of

in the watershed to protect water quality and control

potentially poorly managed chicken and hog farm devel-

erosion. Many of the Kiamichi conservation efforts will rely on public involvement and cooperative agree-

opment, gravel mining, increased timber harvesting,

ments with private landowners to pro-

and additional water impoundment.

tect critical areas of the watershed,

State and federal agencies are spearheading efforts to understand

addressing both the economic

and protect the Kiamichi. They are

needs of the local people and the

gathering information to assess the

long-term viability of the river.

status of rare species and environmental conditions in the river

The Kiamichi River hosts the world’s sole remaining viable population of the Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri), a federally listed endangered mussel.

basin. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to use this newly ©

37

Megan Grey Rollins

© J. Fries

Guadalupe River Texas

T

he Guadalupe River in Texas is a classic example

woodland. Except for municipal use from Canyon Lake,

of contrast. The upper quarter of the river, called the up-

this portion of the river has only limited water diversion

per and middle segments, cuts through the rocky lime-

for small streamside communities, riparian orchards, and

stone of the Edwards Plateau and is rich in rare species.

nut groves. Conversely, land use in the river’s lower three-

Four endemic fishes occur in this reach: the Guadalupe

quarters is dominated by pastureland and agricultural

bass (Micropterus treculi), the endangered fountain darter

cultivation, with more extensive water diversion for crop

(Etheostoma fonticola), the greenthroat darter (Etheostoma

irrigation. These downstream water uses have helped keep

lepidum), and the gray redhorse (Mox-

upstream water from being diverted

ostoma congestum). The lower three-

from the biologically rich upper and

quarters of the river roll gently through

middle Guadalupe segments.

a wide, shallow floodplain to San

Hidden beneath the surface of

Antonio Bay, harboring only one of the

the Edwards Plateau also lives an

river’s unique species—the threatened

astounding diversity of species—163

Cagle’s map turtle (Graptemys caglei).

rare and imperiled animals that exist

Most of the watershed surround-

only in subterranean caves and waters.

ing the upper and middle segments is

More than one-third of these species

relatively undeveloped rangeland and

are aquatic, including two fish and

38

four salamander species. Land- and water-use activities

Guadalupe. As in other parts of the country, the Guadalupe

that cause pollution or withdraw water from the under-

faces human population growth, an attendant rise in

ground aquifer could cause a mass extinction of these

water demand, and residential and recreational develop-

unique and vulnerable animals.

ment in the watershed. Increased water demand may lead

Fortunately, the large areas of relatively undeveloped

to the construction of new in-stream impoundments,

land in the watershed, excellent water quality, numerous

further disturbing the river’s natural flows. Continued

pristine springs, and periodic extremes of flood and

clearing of riparian forest for development along the

drought have helped maintain the upper and middle

expanding I-35 and I-10 highway corridors could alter

Guadalupe’s diversity of life. Despite one major surface

the river’s water quality and flows. Pollution from muni-

impoundment and numerous low-water dams, the upper

cipal wastewater treatment facilities, on-site wastewater

and middle Guadalupe rank among the highest-quality

systems, livestock waste, and vegetation clearing could

waters in Texas.

also degrade water quality. Additional intentional and acci-

Ironically, the presence of the human-made dam and

dental introductions of non-native plants and animals,

the introduced trout that thrive in its cool downstream

including fishes and snails, could further harm the river’s

tailwaters has galvanized a major constituency of support

native species. State and local government agencies, national and

for river protection: trout anglers. The Guadalupe is one of only two trout streams in

local nonprofit conservation groups, and individual land-

Texas, and

the river has been regularly

owners are mobilizing

stocked with the fishes since

to resolve

the late 1970s. According to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, trout are reproducing successfully in this substantially altered section of the river. Because trout have even higher water quality requirements than

©

Kate Spencer

many native fish species, trout anglers The imperiled Cagle’s map turtle (Graptemys caglei) rarely ventures on land except to deposit its eggs. It is found in Texas’s Guadalupe River system and nowhere else in the world.

have become advocates of pollution prevention in the watershed. The upper and middle Guadalupe are also a mecca for recreationists, and some portions of the river have such

current and emerging threats and to help conserve the

dense concentrations of pleasure-seekers that water qual-

biological diversity of the upper and middle Guadalupe

ity, shoreline habitat, and underground aquatic life are

River. The main strategies include:

being damaged. Because people from throughout the state

wisely managing the basin’s water resources,

flock to the Guadalupe to enjoy its clear waters, recre-

including practicing conservation and developing alter-

ationists and recreational businesses share with trout

native surface water supplies, reducing and controlling point and nonpoint

fishers a concern for water quality. Without clean water,

sources of pollution through enhanced municipal and

recreational opportunities will dry up.

individual wastewater treatment, and expanded siting

Recreational overuse is not the only threat to the

39

and construction standards for development,

developing locally based conservation trusts to

limiting use within the riparian zone and restor-

work with communities and individuals committed to pro-

ing natural communities in upland areas and along the

tecting the riparian corridor and other sensitive locations.

river and its tributaries,

All of these conservation strategies will require the

managing recreational uses of the river,

active involvement of the private landowners, government

selectively removing or reengineering in-stream

agencies and officials, conservation organizations, busi-

impoundments to restore natural hydrologic variability,

ness leaders, and citizens who live, work, and vacation in

providing incentives to maintain landownership

the upper and middle segments of the Guadalupe River

in large unfragmented blocks, and

in Texas.

40

Harold E. Malde ©

Verde River Arizona

A

t least 110 species have gone extinct in North

of Arizona and is the largest tributary of the lower Colo-

21

America since the arrival of European colonists. Seven-

rado River. Of the 18 Gila basin fish species, 1 is extinct

teen of those extinctions have been freshwater fishes.

and 10 are federally listed as endangered or threatened.

Potentially joining their ranks are the endangered razor-

In total, 78 percent of the Gila’s fish species are either

back sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) and Colo-

extinct or imperiled.

rado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius), whose

Arizona’s Verde River is one of the larg-

populations have been ravaged by preda-

est tributaries to the Gila River system. The

tory non-native fishes, changes in stream

portion above the town of Camp Verde—the

flow and water temperature, and river habi-

“upper” Verde—is especially noteworthy as

tat loss. These fishes are 2 of 18 native fish

a stronghold for native fish species. Twelve

species historically known from the Gila

native fish species historically occurred in the

River basin, which covers nearly two-thirds

upper Verde River; thanks to reintroduction

41

efforts, nine species can still be found in the main-stem

razorback suckers and Colorado squawfishes are long-lived

Verde and its major tributaries. One segment of the upper

animals, and established individuals can live for up to 60

Verde is considered to be the second most important

years. If conditions within the river improve in coming

native fishery in Arizona, after Aravaipa Creek. This part

decades, the reintroduced fishes may have a shot at repro-

of the river flows through some of the least accessible parts

ducing successfully. At the very least, species reintro-

of the Prescott National Forest. It is particularly good habi-

duction efforts may ensure that the endangered fishes’

tat for native fishes because it has remained relatively free

genetic diversity is preserved in a natural environment.

of the non-native fish species that have harmed many

The fish recovery program will be for naught,

native Gila fish populations. Although 5 of the historic 12

though, if the other threats to the Verde River are not

species had been extirpated from the Verde watershed, 2

managed. The upper Verde River watershed covers 2,600

of these, the Colorado squawfish and the razorback sucker,

square miles, parts of which are experiencing rapid popu-

are now the subject of intensive recovery efforts.

lation growth without any coordinated water resource

The Arizona Department of Fish and Game and the

planning. The population living in towns in the Verde River

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began reintroducing razor-

basin is projected to increase by 143 percent between 1994

back suckers and Colorado squawfishes to the Verde River

and 2040. With such rapid population growth comes

in the early 1980s. Millions of tiny

increased water use. Although most of the area’s water

fry were put into the river

demand has been met through un-

from the early 1980s

derground water extraction, scientists are concerned because this groundwater supply feeds into ©

Kate Spencer

the Verde. There is a danger that increased pumping will reduce river flows, further imper-

The state of Arizona and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to reintroduce the endangered razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) into the upper Verde River to counteract the loss of populations from hydrologic alteration and introductions of non-native fishes.

iling fishes and other biological resources. In response to the lack of water resource planning, the Verde Natural Resource Conservation District and the Cocopai Resource Conservation and Development Area

through the early 1990s, but none survived. Because the

formed a local watershed-based planning group, the Verde

immature fishes were so small, they were easy prey for

Watershed Association (VWA), in 1993. The goal of the

introduced species like the flathead catfish (Pylodictus

VWA is to protect the Verde River watershed while

olivarus). Since 1993, the agencies have been restocking

promoting sustainable use of the basin’s resources.

the river with larger fishes, which are showing better signs

Relying heavily on public participation, the association

of surviving. The state agency is also considering elimi-

adopted a three-phase approach to water resources plan-

nating fishing restrictions on non-native species in the

ning: 1) developing a high-quality, shared information

Verde River. Ultimate success of species reintroduction

base; 2) forming alternative future water-use scenarios

can be claimed if the native fishes are able to survive

and possible strategies for managing water resources; and

to maturity and reproduce successfully. Fortunately,

3) seeking agreement on a long-term water management

42

plan. The VWA and the Natural Resources Conservation

the VWA and the Verde Natural Resources Conservation

Service conducted a cooperative river basin study and built

District, the bureau is also sponsoring springtime river

a comprehensive, publicly accessible database. The asso-

float trips in which several hundred community members

ciation also hosted a series of watershed conferences to

learn firsthand about the river’s cultural and natural

review the results of the basin study and develop a plan

resources. Through a grant from the U.S. Environmental

for river and riparian habitat protection.

Protection Agency, the Verde Natural Resource Conser-

Many partners are involved in the VWA’s water

vation District has developed a nursery for restoration of

resources management initiative. The Bureau of Reclama-

native riparian plant species along the river. These resto-

tion is working with a local irrigation district to manage

ration, management, and educational initiatives will help

streamflow diversion so that it minimizes habitat distur-

instill local commitment to protecting the upper Verde

bance and maintains adequate river flows. Together with

River, its watershed, and its species diversity.

43

Elements of Success Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. Goethe

H

ow does successful conservation happen?

The preceding case studies illustrate positive actions that will help protect freshwater systems from further decline. They demonstrate how groups of concerned citizens, public agencies, and private organizations can work together toward conserving critical watersheds. In each example, several key elements characterize effective local efforts.

A Catalyzing Event Whether it is the listing of an endangered species, a proposed water diversion, or an accidental toxic spill, most conservation activities are ignited in response to an immediate problem in a watershed. In some cases, federal or state agencies are mandated to begin addressing the problem; in other cases, the people who live in the watershed perceive a threat to their livelihood or quality of life. To be stirred to action, watershed residents must become aware that they live in a watershed, that their well-being is affected by its health, that it is a priority area for conservation, and that they can do something to help protect it.

Fight, Flee, or Cooperate? Whether people support or oppose the activities that will affect their watershed, the best watershed management efforts are characterized by people, businesses, and public agencies willing to work together to identify problems and solutions. Cooperation begins with all parties believing they have a role to play, power to influence the outcome, and a sense of responsibility. Everyone who owns land, lives, or makes a living in the watershed can influence the ultimate fate of its water resources. Therefore, their willing participation is critical to success. It is a spirit of cooperation that leads private landowners to apply voluntary conservation practices along Oklahoma’s Kiamichi River to minimize sedimentation from agriculture and forestry activities. Also essential is working on a scale at which people can understand the cause and effect of their actions. For conservation of freshwater biodiversity, the small watershed is a logical rallying point, both geographically and biologically. This report identifies those critical small watershed areas—a mere 15 percent of the country’s total—whose protection will include all U.S. freshwater fish and mussel species at risk.

44

©

Alan D. St. John

Nature Conservancy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researchers collaborate on a stream study in Oregon’s Twelvemile Creek.

Create a Forum for Discussion and Action Most people in a watershed are too busy to work full time solving problems by themselves. In addition, the probability of success is low when only one voice is represented. Most watersheds cross multiple political districts (such as townships, counties, and states) and affect many constituencies. If no local watershed association exists to serve as a catalyst for river conservation, an organization like Alabama’s Cahaba River Society can be formed. Ideally, such an organization should have staff dedicated to addressing the complexity of issues and the long-term nature of river conservation activities. Success is often tied to creating a forum in which all constituents in a watershed can be heard. In Virginia’s Clinch Valley, it was the Russell County Vision Forum—formed by the local chamber of commerce, board of supervisors, and planning district commission, along with The Nature Conservancy and the National Association of Counties—that set the stage for Russell County residents and businesses to create a blueprint for the future of their county. For the Conasauga River, on the Tennessee-Georgia border, it was the Conasauga River Alliance.

Identify the Issues and Get the Facts Identifying the real issues facing the watershed, and getting the best information available to analyze those issues, is essential for success. Good scientific information is required to identify the actual threats to the resource or imperiled species. For example, several private and public entities jointly

45

funded a scientific study of the Altamaha River in Georgia. The information generated by that analysis led to the development of a credible, broadly accepted set of conservation actions to address threats to the river. What is degrading the river—agricultural runoff, lack of municipal sewage treatment, unchecked residential growth, poor forestry practices, or a combination of these problems? Figuring out the real threats and targeting solutions to address them saves time and money.

Assemble the Resources to Solve the Problem Numerous federal and state agencies offer financial and technical assistance to help address water quality and endangered species issues. For example, the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has staff in almost every county who are dedicated to helping private landowners solve environmental problems created by agriculture. The agency administers programs that provide a cost-share for the installation or implementation of conservation practices, such as fences for livestock and buffer strips to reduce erosion from farm fields. Most counties also have soil and water conservation districts that include local residents who help define conservation needs and develop solutions. Other federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers, can conduct or fund scientific studies to analyze particular problems. One way to attract the interest and support of a public agency is to identify or create a local entity committed to solving environmental problems. It helps to have designated full-time staff, because working with agencies and applying for program support can be time-consuming. The work gets easier as conservation activities in a watershed result in positive outcomes. Maintaining a positive, problem-solving approach is one of the most important elements of an effective program. Finally, all elected officials should be kept fully informed of the activities in the watershed. These people are responsible for maintaining the programs and funding that can make a difference. They also have staff who can direct local residents to the help they need.

46

Safeguarding Our Rivers of Life

T

he United States is a world center of fresh-

water biodiversity. Yet, many species inhabiting our freshwater ecosystems are in serious trouble and are far more imperiled than terrestrial species. The decline in freshwater species reflects the widespread degradation of water quality and quantity in the United States—a siren call to all Americans who value clean water for drinking and recreation. This report argues that concerted efforts to protect a small number of key watershed areas in the United States will make a significant contribution to the conservation of the world’s freshwater biodiversity. These watershed areas, eight of which are profiled in this report, offer many opportunities to protect our rich freshwater biodiversity. Success will depend on the extent to which conservationists, landowners, corporations, and municipalities work cooperatively in these places to ensure good water quality and to maintain or restore natural water flows. Beyond its role in promoting site-based conservation activities, The Nature Conservancy is taking other steps to protect the nation’s freshwater resources. The Conservancy is establishing an organization-wide Freshwater Initiative. This crosscutting program will promote the gathering of biological information, the creation of freshwater conservation demonstration sites, and the development of an Internet-based learning network to share lessons and best management practices. In addition, the Conservancy will be establishing a freshwater conservation center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to focus activities in the Southeast—arguably the most biologically rich and imperiled region in the world for freshwater species. Protecting water quality and quantity in the critical watersheds identified in this report will do much to secure the future of America’s fish and mussel species and many other associated freshwater organisms. However, many freshwater species are not directly included in these analyses, and their conservation will require additional watersheds to be protected. Ultimately, we should safeguard all the “rivers of life” that flow through our nation. By maintaining or restoring the health of all our nation’s watersheds we not only will help ensure the survival of our aquatic biodiversity, but will help protect our own well-being and quality of life.

47

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35. Clemmer, Glenn. Program Manager/Zoologist, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Carson City, Nevada. Personal communication. 36. Slaney, T.L., K.D. Hyatt, T.G. Northcote, and R.J. Fielden. 1996. Status of anadromous salmon and trout in British Columbia and Yukon. Fisheries 21:20-35. 37. Karr, J.R. 1997. The future is now: biological monitoring to ensure healthy waters. Pages 31-36 in M. Troychak, ed. Streammakers—Aquatic Insects as Biomonitors. The Xerces Society, Portland, Oregon. 38. Richter, B.R., D.P. Braun, M.A. Mendelson, and L.L. Master. 1997. Threats to imperiled freshwater fauna. Conservation Biology 11:1081-1093. 39. Collier, M., R.H. Webb, and J.C. Schmidt. 1996. Dams and Rivers: Primer on the Downstream Effects of Dams. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1126, Tuscon, Arizona. 94 pp. 40. National Research Council. 1992. Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems: Science, Technology, and Public Policy. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 576 pp. 41. Benke, A.C. 1990. A perspective on America’s vanishing streams. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 9:77-88. 42. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Pfiesteria piscicida Homepage. 1997, October 14. On-line. Available. http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/estuaries/pfiesteria/. [1997, October 25]. 43. Council on Environmental Quality. 1995. 25th Anniversary Report of the Council on Environmental Quality (1994-1995). President’s Council on Environmental Quality, Washington, D.C. 44. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. 1995. Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection. Environmental Land Planning Series. Washington, D.C. 232 pp. 45. Klein, R.D. 1985. Effects of Urbanization upon Aquatic Resources. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Tidewater Administration, Annapolis, Maryland. 71 pp. 46. Blackmore, S. 1996. Knowing the Earth’s biodiversity: Challenges for the infrastructure of systematic biology. Science 274:63-64. 47. Rader, D. Programs to protect aquatic biodiversity in North Carolina. Pages 81-100 in Wilcove, D.S., and M.J. Bean, eds. 1994. The Big Kill: Declining Biodiversity in America’s Lakes and Rivers. Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, D.C. 48. Daily, G.C., S. Alexander, P.R. Ehrlich, L. Goulder, J. Lubchenco, P.A. Matson, H.A. Mooney, S. Postel, S.H. Schneider, D. Tilman, and G.M. Woodwell. 1997. Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems. Issues in Ecology, Number 2. Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C. 16 pp. 49. Fedler, A.J., and D.M. Nickum. 1992. The 1991 economic impact of sport fishing in the United States. Sport Fishing Institute, Washington, D.C. 9 pp. 50. Postel, S., and S. Carpenter. 1997. Freshwater ecosystem services. Pages 195-214 in G.C. Daily, ed. Nature’s Services—Societal Dependence on Ecosystems. Island Press, Washington, D.C. 51. Costanza, R., R. d’arge, R. de Groot, S. Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S. Naeem, R.V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R.G. Raskin, P. Sutton, and M. van den Belt. 1997. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387:253-260. 52. Loomis, J.B., and D.S. White. 1996. Economic values of increasingly rare and endangered fish. Fisheries 21:6-10.

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53. Powers, D. 1989. Fish as model systems. Science 246:352-358. 54. Quammen, D. 1997. Living water. Pages 7-12 in M. Troychak, ed. Streammakers—Aquatic Insects as Biomonitors. The Xerces Society, Portland, Oregon. 55. Richter, B.D., J.V. Baumgartner, R. Wigington, and D.P. Braun. 1997. How much water does a river need? Freshwater Biology 37:231-249. 56. Poff, N.L., J.D. Allan, M.B. Bain, J.R. Karr, K.L. Prestegaard, B.D. Richter, R.E. Sparks, and J.C. Stromberg. 1997. The natural flow regime: a paradigm for river conservation and restoration. BioScience 47:769-784. 57. Moyle, P.B., and R.M. Yoshiyama. 1994. Protection of aquatic biodiversity in California: a five-tiered approach. Fisheries 19:6-18. 58. The Nature Conservancy. 1996. Conservation by Design: A Framework for Mission Success. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia. 59. Bailey, R.G. 1994. Ecoregions of the United States (revised map). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Washington, D.C. 60. Omernik, J.M., and R.G. Bailey. 1997. Distinguishing between watersheds and ecoregions. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 33:935-949. 61. The Nature Conservancy. 1997. Designing a Geography of Hope. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia. 84 pp. 62. Lammert, M., J. Higgins, D. Grossman, and M. Bryer. 1996. A Classification Framework for Freshwater Communities. Proceedings of The Nature Conservancy’s Aquatic Classification Workshop, New Haven, Missouri, April 9-11, 1996. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia. 16 pp. 63. Williams, P., D. Gibbons, C. Margules, A. Rebelo, C. Humphries, and R. Pressey. 1996. A comparison of richness hotspots, rarity hotspots, and complementary areas for conserving diversity of British birds. Conservation Biology 10:155-174. 64. Prendergast, J., R.M. Quinn, J.H. Lawton, B.C. Eversham, and D.W. Gibbons. 1993. Rare species, the coincidence of diversity hotspots and conservation strategies. Nature 365:335-337. 65. Knopf, F.L., and F.B. Samson. 1994. Scale perspectives on avian diversity in western riparian ecosystems. Conservation Biology 8:669-676. 66. Hartfield, P. 1993. Headcuts and their effect on freshwater mussels. Pages 131-141 in K.S. Cummings, A.C. Buchanan, and L.M. Koch, eds. Conservation and Management of Freshwater Mussels. Proceedings of a UMRCC symposium, 12-14 October 1992, St. Louis, Missouri. Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Rock Island, Illinois. 67. Csuti, B., S. Polasky, P.H. Williams, R.L. Pressey, J.D. Lamm, M. Kershaw, A.R. Kiester, B. Downs, R. Hamilton, M. Huso, and K. Sahr. 1997. A comparison of reserve selection algorithms using data on terrestrial vertebrates in Oregon. Biological Conservation 80:83-97. 68. Carpenter, Virginia, Director of Science and Stewardship, Rhode Island Chapter, The Nature Conservancy, Providence, Rhode Island. Personal communication. 69. Moyle, Peter B., Professor, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California. Personal communication. 70. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In preparation. Mobile River Basin Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, Mississippi.

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Additional Resources

F

or more information on freshwater life, and

what you can do to help protect our nation’s rivers and waterways, contact or visit the Web sites of the following organizations. Your local library may be able to provide Internet access if you do not have personal access. Association for Biodiversity Information (ABI): http://www.abi.org/abi ABI helps Natural Heritage Programs to operate as a network by sharing technologies, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and facilitating the development of information products and services. American Fisheries Society (AFS): http://www.esd.ornl.gov/societies/AFS/ AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of fisheries resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public. It publishes some of the world’s leading fisheries research journals. American Rivers: http://www.amrivers.org American Rivers is a national river-saving organization. Its web site tracks recent and upcoming national river policies, including the American Heritage Rivers Initiative and America’s Most Endangered Rivers nominations. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/asih/ The primary goals of the Society are to increase knowledge about fishes, amphibians, and reptiles and to disseminate that knowledge through conferences and publications, such as the journal COPEIA. Desert Fishes Council: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tnhc/.www/fish/dfc/dfc_top.html The Council’s mission is to preserve the biological integrity of desert aquatic ecosystems and their associated life forms. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): http://www.edf.org/ EDF is a leading advocate of economic incentives as a new approach to solving environmental problems. It maintains a Member Action Network to influence national environmental policy. Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN): http://www.igc.apc.org/green/ GREEN works with business, government, community, and educational organizations across the United States and Canada, and with GREEN Country Coordinators in 135 countries, to support local efforts in watershed education and sustainability. International Rivers Network: http://www.irn.org/ This Web site provides activists with important in-depth background and current information on river campaigns. Izaak Walton League: http://www.iwla.org/iwla/ The League uses a grassroots approach to protecting U.S. soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife and has a nationwide river conservation program called “Save Our Streams.” Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG): http://www.mwcog.org/index.html MWCOG provides a series of reports on topics such as watershed restoration, controlling urban runoff, and riparian buffer strategies in urban settings that can be ordered through its Web site.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): http://www.noaa.gov The mission of NOAA is to describe and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, and to conserve and manage wisely the nation’s coastal and marine resources. National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/ The primary mission of the National Park Service is to regulate the use of the national parks to conserve the scenery and natural and historic objects and wildlife therein and to provide for their enjoyment in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Natural Resources Conservation Service: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ The mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service is to provide leadership and administer programs to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment. Potential Priority Watersheds for Protection of Water Quality from Nonpoint Sources Related to Agriculture: http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/land/env/wqpost2.html/ National maps developed to assist decisionmakers in identifying priority watersheds for water quality protection from nonpoint sources due to agriculture. Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA): http://www.cr.nps.gov:80/rtca/ The RTCA program helps communities protect rivers, trails, and greenways on lands not owned or managed by the federal government. Natural Heritage Network: http://www.heritage.tnc.org/ Natural Heritage Programs collectively represent the largest ongoing effort to gather standardized data on imperiled plants, animals, and ecosystems. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): http://www.nrdc.org/nrdc/ NRDC’s mission is to preserve the environment, protect public health, and ensure the conservation of wilderness and natural resources. NCSU Water Quality Group, WATERSHEDSS: A decision support system for nonpoint source pollution control: http://h2osparc.wq.ncsu.edu/ WATERSHEDSS (Water, Soil, and Hydro-Environmental Decision Support System) is designed to help watershed managers identify their water quality problems and select best management practices. North American Benthological Society: http://www.benthos.org/ The Society works to promote better understanding of benthic communities—groups of species living on or in lake or sea bottoms. River Network: http://www.teleport.com/~rivernet/index.html This Web site includes resources for watershed protection and management of nonprofit organizations, and a directory of river organizations. River Watch Network: http://www.riverwatch.org/ River Watch Network brings together people to monitor, restore, and protect their rivers, helping communities develop scientific studies and river conservation strategies. Southeastern Fishes Council (SFC): http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sfc/ This Web site presents SFC publications including PROCEEDINGS, a biannual journal of peer-reviewed science papers, and other regional reports. The Nature Conservancy: http://www.tnc.org/ The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Watershed Management Council: http://watershed.org/wmchome/index.html The Watershed Management Council is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of watershed management.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/ The EPA has a variety of programs and offices that focus on improving the nation’s water quality, and watershed health. Among them are: Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW): http://www.epa.gov/owow/ A general directory to the EPA’s extensive Wetland, Ocean, and Watershed programs. Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/ Basic questions and answers about nonpoint source pollution, and a bulletin dealing with the condition of aquatic ecosystems. Watershed Protection: A Statewide Approach: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/state/ A publication detailing OWOW’s approach to water resources management within watersheds. The EPA is using this approach to focus on hydrologically defined resource areas, watersheds, and aquifers. The Watershed Academy: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/wacademy.html Training courses and related materials about watershed processes, functions, and management techniques. Surf Your Watershed: http://www.epa.gov/surf/ Index of Watershed Indicators: http://www.epa.gov/surf/iwi/ Information on 15 measures of watershed “health” compiled for 2,111 watersheds in the contiguous 48 states. American Heritage Rivers: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/heritage/rivers.html Detailed description and comments on President Clinton’s American Heritage Rivers Initiative. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: http://www.fws.gov This Web site describes the agency’s regional divisions and their major responsibilities, including endangered species, freshwater and anadromous fishes, wetlands, migratory birds, and the National Wildlife Refuge System. U.S. Geological Survey: http://www.usgs.gov/ USGS—Water Resources of the United States: http://h2o.er.usgs.gov/ Water data, publications, and programs provided by the USGS. USGS—Hydrologic Unit Maps: http://water.usgs.gov/public/GIS/huc.html Maps of U.S. hydrologic units at several scales. Each hydrologic unit is identified by a unique hydrologic unit code (HUC). USGS—National Water Quality-Assessment (NAWQA) Program: http://wwwrvares.er.usgs.gov/ nawqa/nawqa_home.html A resource that defines water quality status and trends in the nation’s ground and surface water resources. USGS—Biological Resources Division: http://www.nbs.gov/ The Biological Resources Division of USGS provides scientific information and technologies to support the sound management and conservation of U.S. biological resources. USGS—Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: http://nas.nfrcg.gov/ This site is a central repository for spatially referenced biogeographic accounts of non-native aquatic species. World Wildlife Fund: http://www.wwf.org/ The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) conducts worldwide efforts to protect threatened wildlife and the habitats it needs to survive.

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Appendix A: Numbers of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species In Freshwater Regions of the United States 33

Freshwater Region Tennessee-Cumberland Mobile Interior Highlands South Atlantic Florida Gulf Old Ohio Teays Mississippi Embayment Central Prairie Middle Mississippi Pamlico-Ablemarle Sound Florida Pacific Mid-Coastal West Texas Gulf East Texas Gulf Lower Rio Grande Upper Mississippi Pecos Erie-Ontario Chesapeake Bay Michigan-Huron Bonneville Vegas-Virgin California Central Valley Gila Little Colorado Middle Missouri Lahontan Upper Colorado Lower Colorado Pacific Coastal Columbia Unglaciated Death Valley Oregon Lakes Long Island Sound Southern Plains Pacific North Coastal Superior

Number of Fish Species at Risk

Number of Mussel Species at Risk

Total of Fish and Mussel Species at Risk

57 42 28 25 17 13 19 21 17 8 13 5 17 11 6 12 6 13 5 4 6 10 10 8 8 8 6 8 7 6 6 4 5 5 2 5 3 5

47 23 26 22 23 25 17 13 15 16 8 14 1 6 9 3 8 1 8 8 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 2 0

104 65 54 47 40 38 36 34 32 24 21 19 18 17 15 15 14 14 13 12 11 10 10 10 8 8 8 8 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5

55

Freshwater Region Lower St. Lawrence Upper Snake Upper Rio Grande South Coastal Upper Missouri Gulf of Maine Guzman Columbia Glaciated English-Winnipeg Lakes Upper Saskatchewan

Number of Fish Species at Risk

Number of Mussel Species at Risk

Total of Fish and Mussel Species at Risk

4 4 4 4 3 2 3 1 2 1

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1

56

Appendix B: U.S. Watershed Hot Spots with 10 or More At-Risk Freshwater Fish and Mussel Species States

Number of Fish and Mussel Species at Risk

Number of Fish and Mussel Species with U.S. Endangered Species Act Status

VA,TN TN VA,TN KY TN TN,KY AL,TN GA,TN IN AR TN AR,MO IN,IL TN,NC VA,TN TN,NC TN KY,TN VA,TN AR,OK IN TN,MS AR IN AL,TN TN TN AR AL,MS KY,TN TN,NC,GA MS,AL AR TN OK TN TN,GA MO,AR IN,IL

48 33 30 29 27 22 22 21 21 20 20 20 20 19 19 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

21 6 13 7 9 7 9 10 6 3 12 1 8 6 4 7 8 5 4 3 7 8 1 5 4 6 10 0 6 3 2 7 1 4 2 11 6 1 6

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Upper Clinch Upper Duck Powell Upper Green Upper Elk South Fork Cumberland Wheeler Lake Conasauga Tippecanoe Upper Ouachita Holston Spring [Upper White basin] Lower Wabash Nolichucky South Fork Holston Lower Little Tennessee Watts Bar Lake Upper Cumberland-Lake Cumberland North Fork Holston Lower Little Middle Wabash-Deer Lower Tennessee-Beech Little Missouri Lower East Fork White Pickwick Lake Lower Duck Lower Cumberland-Old Hickory Lake Strawberry Buttahatchee Barren Hiwassee Upper Tombigbee Ouachita Headwaters Buffalo Upper Little Lower Clinch Middle Tennessee-Chickamauga Current Middle Wabash-Little Vermilion

57

Number of Fish and Mussel Species with U.S. Endangered Species Act Status

(subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit)

States

Number of Fish and Mussel Species at Risk

Middle Wabash-Busseron Caney Altamaha Sipsey Upper Saline Spring [Neosho basin] Middle White Upper White Waccamaw Cahaba Apalachicola Upper Flint Yellow Rockcastle Beaver Reservoir French Etowah Collins Lower Ocmulgee Escambia Middle Chattahoochee-Walter F. George Reservoir Pea Lower Choctawhatchee Lower Conecuh Upper Tar Emory Kinchafoonee-Muckalee Upper Neuse Kiamichi Upper Cumberland-Cordell Hull Lower French Broad Upper Black Elk Lost Little Red Lower Tallapoosa Upper Little Tennessee Sepulga Middle Alabama Luxapallila Red Buffalo Illinois Lower Ohio Licking Muskingum Ohio Brush-Whiteoak Little Muskingum-Middle Island

IN,IL TN GA AL AR MO,KS,OK AR IN NC,SC AL FL,GA GA FL,AL KY AR,MO PA,NY GA TN GA AL,FL GA,AL

14 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11

6 5 2 6 1 3 1 3 2 4 4 2 0 3 1 2 3 4 2 2 1

AL,FL FL,AL AL NC TN GA NC OK TN TN MO,AR WV CA,OR AR AL NC AL AL AL,MS TN,KY AR OK,AR KY,IL KY OH OH,KY WV,OH

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

2 2 1 2 4 3 1 1 3 4 1 3 2 1 2 3 0 3 3 1 0 2 3 2 2 1 2

Small Watershed Area

58

Appendix C: Critical Watersheds to Conserve At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Wheeler Lake Buttahatchee Sipsey Pickwick Lake Cahaba Lower Tallapoosa Pea Lower Conecuh Escambia Middle Coosa Sepulga Middle Alabama Luxapallila Sipsey Fork Upper Conecuh Lower Coosa Mobile-Tensaw Upper Choctawhatchee Lower Alabama Middle Tombigbee-Lubbub Locust Upper Black Warrior Patsaliga Middle Tallapoosa Upper Alabama Lower Tombigbee Upper Ouachita Little Missouri Strawberry Ouachita Headwaters Upper Saline Buffalo Little Red Bayou Bartholomew Lower Ouachita-Smackover Cache Little Colorado Headwaters Chevelon Canyon

States

AL, TN AL, MS AL AL, TN AL AL AL, FL AL, FL AL, FL AL AL AL AL, MS AL AL AL AL AL AL AL, MS AL AL AL AL AL AL AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR, LA AR AR AZ, NM AZ

Primary Ecoregion

Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Low Plateau Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & East Gulf Coastal Plain Piedmont Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Ozarks Ouachita Mountains Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Ozarks Ozarks Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Arizona-New Mexico Mountains

59

Valley

Valley

Valley Valley

Valley Valley

23 15 15 15 14 12 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 5 20 16 16 14 13 10 10 7 6 3 4 4

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Lower San Pedro San Bernardino Valley Grand Canyon Upper Verde Upper Santa Cruz Whitewater Draw Rio Sonoyta Rio De La Concepcion Lower Pit Upper Pit Suisun Bay San Pablo Bay San Francisco Bay Lower Sacramento Lower Cosumnes-Lower Mokelumne Santa Clara Mad-Redwood Lower Eel Russian Upper Cache Mill-Big Chico Upper King San Gabriel Santa Ana Santa Margarita Crowley Lake Owens Lake Death Valley-Lower Amargosa Upper Cow-Battle Upper Kern Upper Tuolumne Colorado Headwaters-Plateau Lower Yampa Lower White Lower Gunnison Apalachicola Lower Choctawhatchee Yellow Lower Ochlockonee Chipola Lower Suwannee Santa Fe Lower St. Johns St. Andrew-St. Joseph Bays Oklawaha Choctawhatchee Bay Everglades Kissimmee

States

AZ AZ, NM AZ AZ AZ AZ AZ AZ CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA, NV CA CA, NV CA CA CA CO, UT CO CO, UT CO FL, GA FL, AL FL, AL FL, GA FL, AL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL

Primary Ecoregion

Sonora Desert Apache Highlands Colorado Plateau Apache Highlands Apache Highlands Apache Highlands Sonora Desert Apache Highlands West Cascades and Coastal Forests Modoc Plateau and East Cascades Great Central Valley California Central Coast California Central Coast Great Central Valley Great Central Valley California South Coast California North Coast California North Coast California North Coast California North Coast Great Central Valley Sierra Nevada California South Coast California South Coast California South Coast Great Basin Mohave Desert Mohave Desert West Cascades and Coastal Forests Sierra Nevada Sierra Nevada Colorado Rocky Mountains Utah-Wyoming Rocky Mountains Wyoming Basins Colorado Rocky Mountains East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Florida Peninsula Florida Peninsula East Gulf Coastal Plain Florida Peninsula East Gulf Coastal Plain Tropical Florida Florida Peninsula

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Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 6 5 5 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 5 5 4 3 13 11 10 9 9 8 7 6 4 3 3 2 1

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Lower Ocmulgee Altamaha Middle Chattahoochee-Walter F. George Reservoir Upper Flint Kinchafoonee-Muckalee Etowah Ohoopee Lower Chattahoochee Upper Coosa Lower Oconee Little Ocmulgee Ichawaynochaway Upper Tallapoosa Lower Flint Coosawattee Upper Suwannee Oostanaula Upper Ocmulgee Upper Ochlockonee Upper Ogeechee Upper Oconee Satilla Little Sioux Bear Lake Upper Snake-Rock Big Wood Little Wood Middle Wabash-Little Vermilion Vermilion Embarras Kankakee Tippecanoe Lower East Fork White St. Joseph Driftwood Blue-Sinking Crooked Upper Cimarron-Bluff Middle Neosho Upper Green South Fork Cumberland Upper Cumberland-Lake Cumberland Barren Rockcastle Licking Lower Tennessee Upper Cumberland Bayou De Chien-Mayfield

States

Primary Ecoregion

Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species

GA GA GA, AL

South Atlantic Coastal Plain South Atlantic Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain

13 13 13

GA GA GA GA GA, AL GA, AL GA

Piedmont East Gulf Coastal Plain Piedmont South Atlantic Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & South Atlantic Coastal Plain South Atlantic Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Piedmont East Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Blue Ridge South Atlantic Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Piedmont East Gulf Coastal Plain South Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont South Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Tallgrass Prairie Utah-Wyoming Rocky Mountains Columbia Plateau Idaho Batholith Columbia Plateau North Central Tillplain Central Tallgrass Prairie Interior Low Plateau Central Tallgrass Prairie North Central Tillplain Interior Low Plateau North Central Tillplain North Central Tillplain Interior Low Plateau Central Shortgrass Prairie Central Mixed-Grass Prairie Osage Plains/Flint Hills Prairie Interior Low Plateau Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Interior Low Plateau Interior Low Plateau Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Interior Low Plateau Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain

12 12 12 10 9 9 8 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 4 4 3 3 2 1 5 1 1 1 14 9 7 7 21 16 8 7 7 3 3 3 29 22 18 15 12 10 9 4 2

GA GA GA, AL GA GA GA, FL GA GA GA GA GA GA IA, MN ID, UT ID ID ID IL, IN IL, IN IL IL, IN IN IN IN, OH, MI IN IN, KY KS, OK KS, OK KS KY KY, TN KY, TN KY, TN KY KY KY KY, TN KY

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Valley

Valley

Valley

Valley

Valley

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Bayou Teche Upper Calcasieu Lower Red-Lake Iatt Mermentau Headwaters Cacapon-Town Mattawamkeag Lake Superior Dead-Kelsey Lake Huron Spring Lower Little Current Spring Upper Black Meramec Lower Gasconade Sac Niangua Upper Tombigbee Pascagoula Tangipahoa Lower Chickasawhay Amite Bayou Pierre Little Tallahatchie Yocona Fort Peck Reservoir Prairie Elk-Wolf Charlie-Little Muddy Lower Yellowstone Upper Tar Upper Neuse Waccamaw Upper Little Tennessee Fishing Lower Yadkin Deep Rocky Lower Cape Fear Black Lumber Little Pee Dee Albemarle Lake Sakakawea Upper Connecticut-Mascoma Lower Delaware Upper Pecos-Black Upper Gila Upper Gila-Mangas

States

Primary Ecoregion

LA LA LA LA MD, PA, WV, VA ME MI, WI, MN MI MI MO, AR MO, OK MO, AR MO, KS, OK MO, AR MO MO MO MO MS, AL MS MS, LA MS, AL MS, LA MS MS MS MT MT MT, ND MT NC NC NC, SC NC, GA NC NC NC NC, SC NC NC NC, SC NC, SC NC ND NH, VT NJ, PA NM, TX NM NM, AZ

Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Piney Woods Piney Woods Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Central Appalachian Forest Northern Appalachian/Boreal Forest Great Lakes Great Lakes Great Lakes Ozarks Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Ozarks Ozarks Ozarks Ozarks Ozarks Ozarks Ozarks Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Great Plains Steppe Northern Great Plains Steppe Northern Great Plains Steppe Northern Great Plains Steppe Piedmont Piedmont Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Blue Ridge Piedmont Piedmont Piedmont Piedmont Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Great Plains Steppe Lower New England/Northern Piedmont North Atlantic Coast Chihuahua Desert Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Apache Highlands

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Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species 8 6 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 19 17 14 13 11 8 6 5 5 15 7 7 6 6 3 2 1 3 3 3 3 11 11 11 10 8 7 6 6 4 4 4 4 2 3 2 2 8 7 7

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) San Francisco Upper Pecos-Long Arroyo Mimbres Rio Hondo Rio Grande-Santa Fe Elephant Butte Reservoir Rio Felix Tularosa Valley Lower Virgin White Muddy Havasu-Mohave Lakes Meadow Valley Wash Spring-Steptoe Valleys Fish Lake-Soda Spring Valleys Upper Amargosa Lower Quinn Massacre Lake Thousand-Virgin Truckee Pyramid-Winnemucca Lakes Long-Ruby Valleys Hot Creek-Railroad Valleys Middle Delaware-Mongaup-Brodhead Lake George Middle Hudson Hudson-Wappinger Muskingum Upper Scioto Upper Little Kiamichi Lower Neosho Lost Upper Klamath Lake Sprague Williamson Upper Klamath Upper Grande Ronde Lower Grande Ronde Middle Fork Willamette Mckenzie South Umpqua Umpqua Alvord Lake Warner Lakes Guano Goose Lake French Middle Allegheny-Tionesta

Primary Ecoregion

States

NM, AZ NM NM NM NM NM NM NM, TX NV, UT, AZ NV NV NV, AZ, CA NV NV NV, CA NV, CA NV NV NV, OR NV, CA NV NV NV NY, PA, NJ NY, VT NY NY OH OH OK OK OK, AR OR, CA OR OR OR OR, CA OR OR, WA OR OR OR OR OR, NV OR, CA, NV OR, NV OR, CA PA, NY PA

Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Chihuahua Desert Chihuahua Desert Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Colorado Rocky Mountains Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Chihuahua Desert Chihuahua Desert Mohave Desert Great Basin Great Basin Mohave Desert Great Basin Great Basin Great Basin Great Basin Great Basin Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau Great Basin Great Basin High Allegheny Plateau Great Lakes Lower New England/Northern Piedmont Lower New England/Northern Piedmont Western Allegheny Plateau North Central Tillplain Ouachita Mountains Ouachita Mountains Ozarks Modoc Plateau and East Cascades West Cascades and Coastal Forests Modoc Plateau and East Cascades Modoc Plateau and East Cascades Klamath Mountains Idaho Batholith Idaho Batholith West Cascades and Coastal Forests West Cascades and Coastal Forests Klamath Mountains West Cascades and Coastal Forests Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau Modoc Plateau and East Cascades Western Allegheny Plateau High Allegheny Plateau

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Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species 6 5 3 3 2 2 2 1 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 10 8 14 11 2 10 9 8 7 7 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 12 8

Primary Ecoregion

Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont South Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont South Atlantic Coastal Plain Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont Northern Great Plains Steppe Northern Great Plains Steppe Northern Tallgrass Prairie Interior Low Plateau Interior Low Plateau Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Southern Blue Ridge Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Southern Blue Ridge Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Low Plateau Southern Blue Ridge Interior Low Plateau Interior Low Plateau Interior Low Plateau Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Interior Low Plateau Interior Low Plateau Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain Chihuahua Desert Chihuahua Desert Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Edwards Plateau Chihuahua Desert Edwards Plateau Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Edwards Plateau Edwards Plateau Piney Woods Southern Shortgrass Prairie Crosstimbers &Southern Tallgrass Prairie Crosstimbers &Southern Tallgrass Prairie Chihuahua Desert Chihuahua Desert Southern Shortgrass Prairie Edwards Plateau Edwards Plateau Crosstimbers &Southern Tallgrass Prairie South Texas Plains Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain Piney Woods

8 8 7 5 4 3 2 1 1 1 32 27 24 21 20 19 19 17 15 14 14 13 11 11 10 9 2 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Lynches Lower Catawba Middle Savannah Saluda Broad-St. Helena Edisto Stevens Upper White Middle White Vermillion Upper Duck Upper Elk Conasauga Holston Nolichucky Watts Bar Lake Lower Little Tennessee Lower Tennessee-Beech Lower Duck Hiwassee Buffalo Caney Collins Emory Red Lower Elk North Fork Forked Deer Big Bend Lower Devils Middle Sabine San Saba Black Hills-Fresno Upper Devils Toledo Bend Reservoir South Llano Medina Lower Neches Middle Brazos-Millers San Marcos Upper San Antonio Reagan-Sanderson Lower Pecos-Red Bluff Reservoir Middle Colorado-Elm Concho Upper Guadalupe Middle Guadalupe Upper Frio Caddo Lake Middle Neches

States

SC, NC SC, NC SC, GA SC SC SC SC SD, NE SD SD TN TN TN, GA TN TN TN TN, NC TN, MS TN TN, NC, GA TN TN TN TN TN, KY TN, AL TN TX TX TX, LA TX TX TX TX, LA TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX, NM TX TX TX TX TX TX, LA TX

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Primary Ecoregion

Number of At-Risk Fish and Mussel Species

Piney Woods Southern Shortgrass Prairie South Texas Plains Chihuahua Desert Chihuahua Desert South Texas Plains Colorado Plateau Colorado Plateau Wyoming Basins Utah High Plateaus Colorado Plateau Utah-Wyoming Rocky Mountains Colorado Plateau Great Basin Great Basin Utah-Wyoming Rocky Mountains Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Central Appalachian Forest Central Appalachian Forest Piedmont Piedmont Central Appalachian Forest Piedmont Piedmont Southern Blue Ridge Piedmont Cheaspeake Bay Lowlands West Cascades and Coastal Forests West Cascades and Coastal Forests Canadian Rocky Mountains West Cascades and Coastal Forests West Cascades and Coastal Forests North Cascades Puget Trough and Willamette Valley Superior Mixed Forest Central Tallgrass Prairie Prairie-Forest Border Superior Mixed Forest Prairie-Forest Border Superior Mixed Forest Cumberlands & Southern Ridge & Valley Central Appalachian Forest Central Appalachian Forest Central Appalachian Forest Central Appalachian Forest

2 2 2 2 2 1 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 2 2 1 50 30 18 17 9 9 8 8 6 6 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 9 9 7 6 5 3 7 5 5 2 1

Small Watershed Area (subbasin, or USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit) Lower Angelina Middle Brazos-Palo Pinto South Laguna Madre Toyah Independence Lower Rio Grande Westwater Canyon Upper Colorado-Kane Springs Lower Green-Diamond Lower Green-Desolation Canyon Upper Virgin Duchesne Lower Green Utah Lake Lower Sevier Lower Weber Upper Clinch Powell South Fork Holston North Fork Holston Upper Roanoke Nottoway Upper James Upper Dan Meherrin Upper New Middle James-Buffalo Pamunkey Lower Columbia-Sandy Willapa Bay Colville Grays Harbor North Umpqua Upper Skagit Stillaguamish Lower St. Croix Copperas-Duck Lower Chippewa Wolf Lower Wisconsin Upper Chippewa Upper Kanawha Middle New Greenbrier Cheat Tygart Valley

States

TX TX TX TX TX TX UT, CO UT UT, CO UT UT UT UT UT UT UT VA, TN VA, TN VA, TN VA, TN VA VA, NC VA, WV VA, NC VA, NC VA, NC VA VA WA, OR WA WA WA WA WA WA WI, MN WI, IL WI WI WI WI WV WV, VA WV WV, PA, MD WV

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Appendix D: U.S. State and Regional Natural Heritage Data Centers Connecticut Natural Diversity Database Natural Resources Center Department of Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street, Store Level Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (860) 424-3540

The Nature Conservancy Conservation Science Division 1815 N. Lynn St. Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 841-5300 Association for Biodiversity Information 3220 N St., NW #205 Washington, DC 20007

Delaware Natural Heritage Program Division of Fish & Wildlife Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control 4876 Hay Point Landing Road Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-2880

Alabama Natural Heritage Program Huntingdon College Massey Hall 1500 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106-2148 (334) 834-4519

District of Columbia Natural Heritage Program 13025 Riley’s Lock Road Poolesville, MD 20837 (301) 427-1302

Alaska Natural Heritage Program University of Alaska Anchorage 707 A Street Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 257-2780

Florida Natural Areas Inventory 1018 Thomasville Rd., Suite 200-C Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-8207

Arizona Heritage Data Management System Arizona Game & Fish Department WM-H 2221 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 789-3612

Georgia Natural Heritage Program Wildlife Resources Division Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2117 U.S. Highway 278 S.E. Social Circle, GA 30025 (706) 557-3032

Arkansas Natural Heritage Program Research Section Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Suite 1500, Tower Building 323 Center Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 324-9150

Hawaii Natural Heritage Program The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii 1116 Smith Street, Suite 201 Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 537-4508 Idaho Conservation Data Center Department of Fish & Game 600 South Walnut Street, Box 25 Boise, ID 83707-0025 (208) 334-3402

California Natural Heritage Division Department of Fish & Game 1220 S Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 322-2493

Illinois Natural Heritage Division Department of Natural Resources 524 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62701-1787 (217) 785-8774

Colorado Natural Heritage Program Colorado State University 254 General Services Building Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-1309

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Michigan Natural Features Inventory Mason Building, 8th floor Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944 (517) 373-1552

Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center Division of Nature Preserves Department of Natural Resources 402 West Washington Street, Room W267 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-4052

Minnesota Natural Heritage & Nongame Research Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25 St. Paul, MN 55155 (612) 296-2835

Iowa Natural Areas Inventory Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building East 9th/Grand, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 (515) 281-5918

Mississippi Natural Heritage Program Museum of Natural Science 111 North Jefferson Street Jackson, MS 39201-2897 (601) 354-7303

Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory Kansas Biological Survey 2041 Constant Avenue Lawrence, KS 66047-2906 (913) 864-3453

Missouri Natural Heritage Database Missouri Department of Conservation P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 (573) 751-4115

Kentucky Natural Heritage Program Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission 801 Schenkel Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 573-2886

Montana Natural Heritage Program State Library Building 1515 E. 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-3009

Louisiana Natural Heritage Program Department of Wildlife & Fisheries P.O. Box 98000 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 (504) 765-2821

Navajo Natural Heritage Program Navajo Fish & Wildlife Department P.O. Box 1480 Window Rock, AZ 86515-1480 (520) 871-6472

Maine Natural Areas Program Department of Conservation 93 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0093 (207) 287-8044

Nebraska Natural Heritage Program Game and Parks Commission 2200 North 33rd Street P.O. Box 30370 Lincoln, NE 68503 (402) 471-5500

Maine Endangered Species Program Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife 650 State Street Bangor, ME 04401-5654 (207) 941-4466

Nevada Natural Heritage Program Department of Conservation & Natural Resources 1550 E. College Parkway, Suite 145 Carson City, NV 89706-7921 (702) 687-4245

Maryland Heritage & Biodiversity Conservation Programs Department of Natural Resources Tawes State Office Building, E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 260-8540

New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory Department of Resources & Economic Development 172 Pembroke Street P.O. Box 1856 Concord, NH 03302-1856 (603) 271-3623

Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 792-7270 ext. 200

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New Jersey Natural Heritage Program Office of Natural Lands Management 22 South Clinton Avenue, P.O. Box 404 Trenton, NJ 08625-0404 (609) 984-1339

PNDI-West Western Pennsylvania Conservancy 209 Fourth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 288-2777 PNDI-Central Bureau of Forestry P.O. Box 8552 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 (717) 783-3444

New Mexico Natural Heritage Program University of New Mexico 851 University Blvd. S.E. Suite 101 Albuquerque, NM 87131-1091 (505) 272-3545

Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Planning & Development 235 Promenade Street, 3rd Floor Providence, RI 02908 (401) 277-2776, x4308

New York Natural Heritage Program Department of Environmental Conservation 700 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110-2400 (518) 783-3932 North Carolina Natural Heritage Program NC Department of Environment, Health & Natural Resources Division of Parks & Recreation P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 (919) 733-4181

South Carolina Heritage Trust SC Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 734-3893 South Dakota Natural Heritage Data Base SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division 523 E. Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501-3182 (605) 773-4227

North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department 1835 Bismarck Expressway Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 328-5357

Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage Dept. of Environment & Conservation 401 Church St. Nashville, TN 37243-0447 (615) 532-0431

Ohio Natural Heritage Data Base Division of Natural Areas & Preserves Department of Natural Resources 1889 Fountain Square, Building F-1 Columbus, OH 43224 (614) 265-6453

TVA Regional Natural Heritage Resource Group Division of Land Management Tennessee Valley Authority Norris, TN 37828 (423) 632-1593

Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory Oklahoma Biological Survey 111 East Chesapeake Street University of Oklahoma Norman, OK 73019-0575 (405) 325-1985

Texas Conservation Data Center P.O. Box 1440 San Antonio, TX 78295-1440 (210) 224-8774

Oregon Natural Heritage Program 821 SE 14th Avenue Portland, OR 97214 (503) 731-3070; 230-1221

Utah Natural Heritage Program Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 (801) 538-4700

Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory PNDI-East The Nature Conservancy 34 Airport Drive Middletown, PA 17057 (717) 948-3962

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Vermont Nongame & Natural Heritage Program Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department 103 S. Main Street, 10 South Waterbury, VT 05671-0501 (802) 241-3700

West Virginia Natural Heritage Program Division of Natural Resources Ward Road, P.O. Box 67 Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 637-0245

Virginia Division of Natural Heritage Department of Conservation & Recreation 1500 East Main Street, Suite 312 Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951

Wisconsin Natural Heritage Program Department of Natural Resources Endangered Resources/4 101 S. Webster Street, Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7012

Washington Natural Heritage Program Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 47016 Olympia, WA 98504-7016 (360) 902-1340

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database 1604 Grand Avenue, Suite 2 Laramie, WY 82070 (307) 745-5026

Natural Areas Program Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 47016 Olympia, WA 98504-7016 (360) 902-1340

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Acknowledgments The report would not be possible without the work of many state and regional Natural Heritage Program staff, Nature Conservancy staff, and the many scientific collaborators who assisted in developing the specific occurrence data and conservation status data upon which the analyses in this report are based. The Association for Biodiversity Information facilitated the compilation of the occurrence data into a national data set for the analyses. We also would like to thank the following reviewers for their thoughtful comments: John Alderman, J. David Allan, Nancy Braker, David Braun, Ron Cicerello, Glenn Clemmer, Leslie Colley, Christine A. De Joy, Stephen P. Hall, Jonathan Higgins, Deborah B. Jensen, Lisie Kitchel, Ruth Mathews, Meesh McCarthy, Gary Meffee, Michael Mendelson, Jennie Myers, Christopher Pague, Linda Pearsall, Michael Reuter, Brian Richter, Rob Riordan, Stephen Roble, Charlie Scott, Barbara J. Shapiro, Danielle Shirley, Peggy W. Shute, Thomas Smith, and William Stolzenburg. Figure 5 (Critical Watersheds) benefited from reviews by Natural Heritage Program staff and Nature Conservancy staff in most states, as well as from reviews by the following individuals: John Alderman, Richard Biggins, Robert Butler, Kevin Cummings, George Cunningham, David Etnier, Jeffrey Garner, John Harris, Paul Hartfield, Robert Howells, Eugene Keferl, Charles Lydeard, Scott Mettee, Peter Moyle, William Pflieger, Tom Watters, Jack Williams, and James Williams. We gratefully acknowledge the Regina Bauer Frankenberg Foundation for Animal Welfare and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their support of this report. We would also like to acknowledge the U.S. Forest Service and the World Wildlife Fund-U.S. for their support of research that contributed to these analyses. We gratefully acknowledge Canon U.S.A., Inc., which makes possible publication of this report as part of the Conservancy’s NatureServe® program. Special thanks are due to Publishers Printing Company, Inc. for furnishing paper and printing for this report.

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Credits EDITORS: Lawrence L. Master, Stephanie R. Flack and Bruce A. Stein CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: James R. Aldrich, Stephanie R. Flack, James Fries, Randy Haddock, George

Ivey, Kyla J. Lawson, Andy Laurenzi, Kristi Lynett, Lawrence L. Master, Jennie Myers, Robert M. Riordan, Bruce A. Stein, Caryn Vaughn, Diane Vosick DATA COMPILATION AND RESEARCH: Bruce Hoffmann, Lynn S. Kutner, Lawrence L. Master, Ruth

E. Mathews, Michael Mendelson, Melissa A. Morrison, Christine A. O’Brien GIS ANALYSIS AND MAP PRODUCTION: Linda Evers, Stacy Hoppen, Ron Leonard, Rob Solomon,

Hal M. Watson ILLUSTRATIONS: S. Beibers, page 3; Rebecca Flint, page 35; Megan Grey Rollins, pages 16, 29, 33, 37,

cover; and Kate Spencer, pages 1, 26, 31, 39, 42, cover PHOTOGRAPHS: Blair Nikula, page 5; Charlie Ott, page12; Brian Richter, page 14; Harold E. Malde,

pages 15, 17, 20, 22, 34, 41; Jon Golden, pages 25, 27; Adam Jones, page 28; Beth Maynor Young, page 30; George Ivey, page 32; Caryn Vaughn, page 36; J. Fries, page 38, and Alan D. St. John, page 45 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Nicole S. Rousmaniere PRINTING AND PAPER: Courtesy of Publishers Printing Company, Inc., Shepherdsville, Kentucky

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